Government clarifies La Digue buggy registration |26 August 2026

Government clarifies La Digue buggy registration

Government wishes to clarify the circumstances surrounding the registration of a buggy currently associated with President Patrick Herminie.

The vehicle was a gift to the President. During the processing of this gift, the buggy was inadvertently registered in the President’s personal name instead of being registered to State House as the appropriate institutional owner. This is now being rectified, with the registration being transferred accordingly.

The buggy was transferred to La Digue to support the President’s engagements on the island, as well as those of visiting dignitaries and VIPs, including bilateral partners involved in ongoing development projects. Its use also supports the President’s security arrangements while on La Digue.

Government notes that details of this registration entered the public domain prior to any official communication on the matter.

An investigation into how this occurred is currently underway, to determine whether the information was released deliberately or inadvertently.

As a precautionary measure to preserve the integrity of the process, the principal secretary for the Department of Land Transport has been asked to remain away from office for its duration. This is a standard procedural step.

As with all officers in this position, the principal secretary is a signatory to the Official Secrets Act, and all parties are expected to act in accordance with its provisions.

Government trusts this clarifies the matter.

Statement from Minister for Transport, Ports & Civil Aviation, Veronique Laporte