A three-member Commission of Inquiry tasked with examining the 2021, digital travel authorisation system, Travizory, was officially sworn in this morning at State House in the presence of the President of the Republic, Dr Patrick Herminie, and the Vice-President, Mr Sebastien Pillay and the Chief of Staff, Mrs Jeniffer Vel.

The Commission is chaired by Justice Laura Pillay, and comprises Mr Christopher Mancham and Mr Suketu Patel. The commissioners have been given six months to complete the inquiry and submit their findings and recommendations to the President.

The establishment of the commission follows the announcement made earlier this year by President Herminie during his State of the Nation Address, highlighting Government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in matters of national importance.

Mandated under the Official Gazette, the commission will conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the Travizory agreement. This includes a detailed examination of its full history, the terms and conditions under which it was executed, and the decisions and actions taken both prior to and following its implementation.

In a brief statement, Chairperson Justice Pillay indicated that the commission will commence its work upon the appointment of a Secretary. The initial phase will involve the development and publication of procedural rules, after which the commission will proceed with its first formal sitting.

Travizory was introduced 2021 as part of the Government’s COVID-19 response.