Former Minister for Investment Devika Vidot has denied claims linking her to early meetings with Qatari representatives. The claims relate to the Assomption Island project.
Mrs Vidot wrote a letter dated 26 March 2026 to the Commissioner of Inquiry, Mrs Mathilda Twomey. In the letter, she rejected statements made during an interview session on 18 March 2026.
She said the statement was made during an interview session with former President Wavel Ramkalawan.
Mrs Vidot said the Commissioner stated that she had met Qatari representatives.
She said this happened long before the Expression of Interest for the Assomption project was published.
She said the claim created a public perception that she had a long-standing involvement in the project.
“Respectfully, Madam Commissioner, you did not clarify the identity of the Qatari nationals that I allegedly met with, as well as the circumstances under which these purported meetings took place,” she wrote.
She added that the statement suggested she had influence over the development process.
“I wish to categorically refute this allegation and respectfully request that a public statement be issued to correct the misconception,” Mrs Vidot said.
According to the letter, responsibility for soliciting investors for the Assomption project fell under the Islands Development Company.
Mrs Vidot said her ministry had no involvement, authority, or oversight in the project.
She stated that her first interaction with representatives of Assets Group took place in 2023. She said the meetings were brief and focused on other investment opportunities in Seychelles.
She said no discussions related to Assomption took place during those meetings.
Furthermore, Mrs Vidot said the statement created a misleading impression about her role.
“This is misleading and entirely inaccurate,” she wrote.
She also raised concerns about the process followed by the Commission of Inquiry.
Mrs Vidot said the Commission did not call her as a person of interest to provide evidence or clarification before it made the statement public.
She described the situation as unfair and inconsistent with expected standards.
“Presenting such matters publicly without affording me the opportunity to respond or without verifying the facts is, in my view, unfair,” she said.
Mrs Vidot reiterated her request for a public clarification to address what she described as a misconception.
She also confirmed that she would share the letter with the media.