The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Dr. Patrick Herminie, officiated the swearing-in ceremony of Justice Dr. Mathilda Twomey as the Commissioner for the newly established Commission of Inquiry into the Sublease and Development of Assomption Island, at State House this morning.
Justice Dr. Twomey took the oath and signed the official documents to formalize her appointment during the ceremony, which was attended by Vice President Mr. Sebastien Pillay, State House officials, members of the press, and invited guests.
The establishment of this Commission was announced by the President on November 14th, 2025, and subsequently received approval from the National Assembly on December 10th, 2025, in accordance with constitutional and legal requirements.
The Commission of Inquiry arises from a lease agreement dated July 5th, 2024, under which the Republic of Seychelles leased Assomption Island to Island Development Company Limited for a period of ninety-nine years. This was followed by a sublease agreement dated September 18th, 2024, entered into between IDC Limited, Ocean Breeze Investments Limited, and the Republic of Seychelles under the previous administration, for development activities on the island.
The Commission‘s primary mandate is to examine the sublease agreements and associated development activities on Assomption Island, and to assess whether these were conducted in compliance with applicable laws, procedures and in alignment with national interest.
The establishment of this Commission underscores the Government’s firm commitment to transparency, accountability and good governance, particularly in response to public concerns regarding the propriety, legality, and transparency of decisions taken in relation to the island’s development.
Justice Dr. Twomey will be assisted by Dr. Joelle Barnes, who will serve as the Commission’s Secretary.