We’re taking a closer look at President-elect Dr Patrick Herminie’s recent statements…

OCT 24 2025 · 15:26

🇸🇨 We’re taking a closer look at President-elect Dr Patrick Herminie’s recent statements and what they could mean for Assomption Island. On 15 October, President-elect Dr Herminie spoke at a press conference on @sbc.sc. In his statement, he said he would issue a stop notice on the luxury hotel project, review documents, and “sit down to assess what’s the truth.” Dr Herminie mentions that the investors are two Syrian brothers behind Assets Group. According to the BBC, Assets Group is a Qatar-based firm and may be associated with the Qatari royal family. While promising to pause the hotel project, Dr Herminie also proposed turning parts of Assomption into a coast guard base “open to international navies for a fee.” With repeated mentions of India, this has revived memories of the proposed Indian military base on Assomption - a project cancelled in 2018 after strong public opposition. Since his statement, Seychellois - both online and offline - have voiced growing concern about the possibility of any form of military or foreign-controlled presence on the island. Dr Herminie’s vision has not explicitly included a military base, but his references to a “coast-guard base open to international navies, for a fee,” and to discussions with India, have left many uncertain about his plans for Assomption. Ultimately, his statement leaves us with more questions than answers. So far, Dr Herminie and his team have not responded to our invitation to meet. We remain clear: Friends of Aldabra does not support any military base on Assomption. This island’s value cannot be measured in money or strategy alone. 🐢 The Seychellois people deserve clarity and transparency. #ProtectAssomption #ProtectAldabra #Seychelles #FriendsofAldabra