Noel-Simmons Resigns As UBP Candidate
One time UBP candidate Devrae Noel-Simmons has resigned as the UBP candidate for Warwick South Central, Constituency #26. Mr Noel-Simmons contested the December 15, 2010 Warwick South Central by-election to fill the seat once held by former Premier Dr Ewart Brown.
On May 3, members of the UBP voted to dissolve the party and merge with the BDA to form the One Bermuda Alliance [OBA]. On May 10, Mr Noel-Simmons joined with UBP leader Kim Swan, MP Charles Swan and others to launched legal action seeking to stop the UBP from dissolving. However seven UBP MPs resigned from the party to join the OBA, leaving Kim Swan and Charles Swan as the only two UBP MPs.
Bernews spoke with Mr Noel-Simmons last month, and he said there will be teething pains in every process, but their intentions are to best serve the voters. Mr Noel Simmons said he wasn’t against the merger itself, and in fact he feels it’s a good idea as a divided Opposition is not ideal.
Mr Noel-Simmons’ email follows below:
Good afternoon Party Chair and Warwick Regional Chair and others.
I have had long extensive talks with Kim Swan and my family. In conclusion I wish to resign my position as candidate for Warwick South Central, Constituency #26 representing the United Bermuda Party.
I wish to thank all those that supported me through the bye election of December 2010. The experience and friends I have gained have been most rewarding and life changing.
I wish the United Bermuda Party much success in these difficult times and hope that all future decisions are made with Bermuda’s people in mind.
Kind Regards
Devrae Noel-Simmons
The UBP once dominated the political scene, winning eight back-to-back General Elections between 1968 and 1993. They held 14 seats in the House of Assembly in the beginning of 2008, but by late 2009 they were down to 9 seats – having lost 5 seats in total – after the three MPs split to form the BDA, and both Wayne Furbert and Darius Tucker quit the party to sit as independents. As of May 2011, the party holds just two seats in the house, the lowest in their 47-year history.
I am not surprised by this – - and I wish him well in his future plans.
another opportunist bites the dust, but OBA don’t want him either, hehehehe.
A say A say I saya So long Foghorn Leghorn!
He may choose to join the OBA (thats his choice) but as long as he’s not allowed to run for the OBA they will maintain credibility
Spot on Profolactic…………
He did the honorable thing. The OBA will be held to much higher candidate standards than the PLP.
The PLP could run a trash can as a candidate, tell their supporters to vote for it, & they will.
Squeeky clean is impossible for any polititian but voters will demand that the OBA candidates be close.
@ TD I’m no fan of both legacy parties as they both have baggage that make them unattractive. But can you at least admit that the OBA are better off if the likes of Sir David and Sir John remain silent, rather than publicly endorse the new party. I bet you can’t admit that huh?
The UBP could have ran a trash can in Paget East and it would have won. This is what’s wrong with both Legacy Parties. Times will change, and one day the political field will include the Alliance and other new party originating from the PLP. With these two parties in place, healthy debate will exist, and elections will be won and lost on the issues.
@ Balanced you’re absolutely correct. I’m really tired of these extremist views from hard core supporters of both UBP and PLP. The article didn’t even mention the PLP but Mr. Drifter is like so many other legacy supporters, clinging on to the past glory days. UBP had 30 years, PLP had 15 years, and its time for real change.
The UBP has been a trash can for years. Didn’t stop their supporters overwhelming support though. We all know why though……….
This is news??
I am confused. Why is he resigning as a candidate? He lost the by-election. So therefore it is a done deal. Is this more attention-seeking behavior?
I was wondering same thing. Then I thought about it, and realized that he is telling UBP that he will not run as a candidate in that area. That said, I do not think it was a matter for the public domain. It would have been better handled between only the candidate and the party. After all, the constituents of that area were not lining up to vote for him, so it is a bit of a non-event. He got trounced at the by-election. If he joins the OBA, and they run him in a constituency, any constituency, I will not vote for them. Selecting him would demonstrate to me that they are not serious about ” running the country”, as they are so fond of saying.
I could never take a politician with a mohawk seriously. He was a joke for the start.
I agree Lol
For real! I thought I was the only person who thought that. Come on politicians, present yourselves as examples. Look at that colonel dude that just quit, wearing earrings! What a poor example. Dress in whatever style you please, but if you hold public office, dress like it!
I want to commend Devrae. For all those of you that are writing in making negative comments remember that while you were sitting on the sidelines he did what you dont have the balls to do! His mohawk makes him an individual. It doesnt mean that he is less intelligent or less of a person. Grow up and open your mind. Just because someone has a hair cut doesnt mean he can do a good job. It is because of people that think like you that Bermuda has taken a downward turn. I feel sorry for the youth that are growing up in a country and culture where self expression and bravery get them nowhere! Devrae attempted to affect change and though the small minded people cant see that, I can. Wishing him much success in whatever his future plans are. Look forwad Bermuda not backward…instead of bringin him down you should have been doing everything you could to help him succeed.
Agree with you open minded. Profilling is a bitch. I have a white beard that is almost to my waist. People look at me like I am a bum, a vagrant, a street person. Perceptions are a bitch and never, ever judge a book by it’s cover.
Had an incident yesterday (won’t bring up race)…three girls (upper teens) with their mother were laughing at me and aying things about my appearance. As I walked to the grocery store entrance and they behind, I dropped a $100 bill in front of them (they probabley thought it was an accident).
I glanced behind as one bent down and picked it up. They followed me into the grocery. I did my bit of shopping and they never made eye contact.
Paid my tab. Left.
Go figure.
@ Terry
No need to say the race, I can pretty much guess. Sounds like Shanaynay and Co. I can also believe they didn’t return the money to you. You should have turned around and confronted them about it.
Think about it…I didn’t. Your implying. As for the money, means nothing. I proved my point to myself that I was not loosing it.
At least I don’t walk out the door with a bag/basket…going to get my credit card from my car……
I need a double………anyway I digress.
Gonna make corn soup. My neighbor threw away some corn cobs……………………
Your comment is blatantly racist. I do not want to know what color you are. It does not matter. What does matter is that you think, and write, in a racist way. You are ridiculing black women with that Shanaynay thing. Shame on you. Also, you imply that people of color are inherently dishonest or unethical. Shame on you again.
a) I am black and Portuguese
b) Are you a Shanaynay? Why are you so upset?
c) If you are an ignorant woman, regardless of your race, I will call you out.
d) I am not implying anything. Bermuda is a majority black populated country, so to assume the people were black.
I see it everday how ignorant some (black) Bermudians act. Terry isn’t saying the race because he doesn’t want to stir the pot (how’s the soup by the way? Lol) however I have no issue with doing so.
I love my black people, but when I see them doing stupid things or acting ignorant, it infuriates me.
And as a Portuguese Bermudian I wish you would Think About things before your write I agree with B, a Lady you are not helping unity with your comments but you have already put your self up on a pedestal with earlier comments you’ve made on here. Tolerance is needed every where not just for you and your thinking.
LOL
Profiling and judging people is terrible! But are you a politician that stands on the world stage representing Bermuda?
BULLA BULLA
Terry I bet the only thing you dropped was a corn fritter fart ,and you wonder why people won’t look you in the face ? Devrae you are now free to run for the worlds worse mohican , auditions will be held tonight at Dennis’s Hideaway .
It doesn’t matter. A mohawk does not look professional. I bet if he had tattoos you would be singing a different song. Why should it be acceptable for a politician to have a mohawk, but someone working in an office or for government(police, customs) have to cover up tattoos or face losing their job?
@Think about it…he does have tattoos and he makes no effort to cover them up…go visit his website and look at some of his photos, he is covered in them.
Are you not getting my point? Are you that slow? I am asking why is it fair that HE can have stuff like that, but not have to cover them up?! Why is it deemed unprofessional for a police officer to have visible tattoos, but this fool can have a mohawk? What’s the difference?
If I were to go to a job interview at a business “expressing myself” with colored hair and a mohawk… do you think I would get a job within that business??? Maybe in the mailroom!!! So don’t come with that “he’s original”…he’s an original fool who looks a hot mess. In order to be taken as professional you need to present yourself as a professional….and he didn’t make the cut.
I feel people should express themselves as they wish, but when you hold public office, you should be setting an example. Like you said, his mohawk has nothing to do with his intelligence or ability. But let’s be real, you don’t think that public officials should have exemplary dress?
No need to use bad words to describe an individual…at least he attempted to take real action and did not just become a blogger !! I do not support the UBP/OBA but I admire anyone that actually takes real action and is not just on the sidelines making comments. Thats easy to do, but real action is not !! But the question may be, he took the wrong pathway to action in his attempt to make a real contribution to his community !!
Dunkly and barite was at bi election supporting the B D A party. He did them a big favor, hope he took side kicks Curry 2.
Still laughing,
The Mohawk is a fashion just like the pants worn half way down the backside. Some guys cannot walk ten paces without their pants falling down. are they both practical in the Workplace? yes, if your a fashion designer.
finally!!
It is very easy and cowardly to disrespect and vilify people under the guise of a pen name. I bet that 90percent of you would not write these comments under your real name.
Another one? What is it with you people commenting on others using pen names? Johnny Eve (if that’s your real name) what’s to stop me from googling you name, finding your house, and effing you up because of something you said on here? Pen names are a way to be safe and have true free speech.
Not news worthy at all. On to the next one.
Come drink from the cup of destruction.
Good Day,
I would like to thank Devrae for offering himself as a candidate for the UBP, enduring viscious ridicule because of his past (wrong doing that he accepts as he attempts to move forward more positively)as he tries to make a difference in the Bermuda where he and his wife are raising their 3 year old son.
Devrae stood with me and others on principle when we were denied our rights under the UBP CONSTITUTION by our colleagues.
Thank you Devrae for having the courage to offer yourself in Warwick South Central for the United Bermuda Party.
Many Thanks,
Kim Swan MP
Nb.
That’s great that you are still so supportive of your chosen candidate…who has now joined the OBA in hopes of being a candidate under their banner in the same constituency. Well done!
And today he offers himself as an OBA candidate for the OBA…SMH
Mr Swan – I have read the UBP constitution. No where is there does it say every constituuency has to agree with a decision. Moniz and co have pointed this out – please reference your point in that document. Your central council, whic is delegates from all branches voted. kim you just were afraid of losing the office on front street and the car park space and the paycheck – also what kind of man has his wife send out libellous letters like that? pretty sad. you are ruining what you had the most – a good reputation by your childish banter. if your case was so good why drop the injunction?
@Jim Bean. I wrote that letter and Everything in it I can prove. I did it on my own accord with prompting from No one! What part is libel? [edited]
Sad 4 you Jim bean. You don’t know mrs swan. Ask your oba colleagues. No man woman nor child can make her do …. Believe me Kim did not know she wrote that letter. She’s a strong individual, but honest broker
Wow,
People here are really gonna be put off at how politicians will dress in the furture, aren’t young women wearing shirts as dresses now? And a hairstyle on a well dressed man is scrutinized.
Remember it wasn’t too long ago that a woman wearing pants or showing too much ankle was shunned upon.
Devrae I’m sure you did what was best for you and yours and I know you will take the positive messages that are here with a smile and thanks and give the negative comments what they deserve, paid no mind.
Good luck Devrae! Thanks for standing up and shouting your political views while most sit back and grumble!
Ps – keep the hawk.
Thank you…and i’m definetly keeping the hawk! And when I do eventually get to that red carpet I will wear my HAWK with amazing style and grace…Its all about sticking to the path.
Hi Dev. I was brought up in London in the 60s and I am sure at your age you are quite familiar with the youth in that time period in the U.K. We went through every different hair style and color you could imagine. Usually the Brits did it for attention and to stand out in the crowd. You deffinately stand out in the crowd in Bermuda. When I was at school I was sitting next to a guy with yellow hair and a girl with no hair at all but for a curl. What IF tomorrow 10 people turned up to your job with multi coloured mow hawks. What, or maybe how would you react? If today you took a walk down kings road in Chelsea, London people will pay you no mind, but here, well, it’s your SPOTLIGHT!
How can he represent a UNITED or ONE Bermuda and he’s creating division between the left side and right side of his scalp?
As always I would like to thank the many supporters that used their wisdom and experience to help allow me to have the opportunities I’ve had. To all those that feel the need to discriminate me…more power to you! Your negative energy only fuels the engine to run more efficiently and more professionally! I don’t need to LOOK like you to be better than you, I just am! And I will be an elected official at some point pushing and thriving for my Bermuda people to be successful…in life and in fullfillment.
I find it shameful that a handfull of people would go out of their way to try and bring a fellow Bermudian down in order to allow themselves to feel better, but that’s why I am a trainer and a motivator! I take peoples negativity about themselves and transform them into more productive and achieving people…but not everyone can be helped…clearly seen here amongst your words. Plus if I am Soooo bad and do not fit the image of what YOU percieve as righteous then why are most of you hiding behind false names and usernames? Why are there not more of you standing up and fighting for a better way of life for our countryman n women? No instead like cowards you blog and discriminate against those that would strive to make a difference! Amazing!!!
I WOULD NOT VOTE FOR YOU. For a potential public servant i do not like the way you Write,Speak,or look. This is Bermuda. we are young, all of your outside influence does not do this Country any good. Go back to where you got brainwashed, London no Doubt. you cannot compete with the British Empire. lets deal with the issues of this tiny country first, Once Independent and stable then colorful and theatrical people like yourself will be more accepted.
“I don’t need to LOOK like you to be better than you, I just am!” says Devrae…
then he goes on to call himself a motivator…”I find it shameful that a handfull of people would go out of their way to try and bring a fellow Bermudian down in order to allow themselves to feel better, but that’s why I am a trainer and a motivator! I take peoples negativity about themselves and transform them into more productive and achieving people…”
Wow – thats exactly the type of representation we want, right? People that think they are better than somebody else.
Mr. Simmons – I think you just did yourself in. We need no more of your kind in a position of authority.
Your ambitions are purely personal, power and money driven – no interest in SERVICE to the people. I hope all voters are taking note. You do not possess the intellectual, spiritual or moral authority to lead. So sad.
People must want your leadership and clearly we don’t. Hope you can find alternate ways to further inflate and indulge your ego, as it will be a cold day in Bermuda when the designation “MP” does that for you -
devrae – you crack me up. you are part of an injunction to prevtn putting bermuda first and then bail from the ubp yourself and then join bda – wow man!
hey cindy – i think there is a screw loose there. i hear kim knew of the potential for oba formation and gave his belssing. when we was not going to be leader he then did what he did – so stop being so self righteous
Jim. Kim Swan is a man of integrity end of story. The judge saw the ubp constitution and issued an injunction. He withdrew it because the cowards resigned .
As A voter I do not think Mr. Noel-Simmons has shown to handle himself well in this thread and therefore I do not personally know if I would vote for him based on the reactions I see here even though I do see that cretin people (seeming to be largely PLP supporters or just UPB haters) have goaded him to react. If Mr. Noel-Simmons wishes to be electable I personally need him to come better than what is here otherwise it’s just more of the same that exists already and I do not need or want that as a representative of me. Real talk.
LOL
The Swans are good people. Leave them alone, You will only make it worst for yourselves trying to bring them down. I know both of them and they give and give without expecting anything back to Bermuda. Go fly a kite.
totally agreed with good people, they don’t deserve the bad writing from jim bean.
so true. they are the decent people.