Simmons Resigns, Calls On Premier To As Well
Politics went web 2.0 yesterday, with Progressive Labour Party Public Relations Officer Jamahl Simmons resigning from his position on Twitter and calling on Premier Craig Cannonier to do the same following the latest allegations surrounding “Jetgate”.
The Twitter-resignation occurred on the same day Ayo Johnson launched his political journal “Politica“, in which Mr. Johnson — citing unnamed “sources” — made further allegations surrounding the Premier’s actions and handling of casino gaming.
Mr. Simmons, a public relations professional who previously served in the capacity of Premier’s Press Secretary, said he “officially” resigns to allow the “JetGate issue to be pursued without being deflected.”
Via a post on Twitter, he said that the One Bermuda Alliance will “attempt to distract from the corruption allegations surrounding JetGate by attacking me for my personal views.”
The former MP noted that “these were my personal views and not endorsed or delivered in my role as PRO to the PLP I will not allow them to be used against my party.”
He then called on Premier Craig Cannonier, Attorney-General Mark Pettingill, Transport & Tourism Minister Shawn Crockwell and MP Nandi Outerbridge to “follow my example and also resign.”
In a Tweet that gained four re-tweets, Mr. Simmons added that, “The Premier is accused of corruption and his Ministers assisted in covering it up. They should do the right thing and resign.”
Earlier he had tweeted that the OBA was trying to deflect “with indignation over tweets by a political has-been” from the “Jetgate” story, which was posted by veteran journalist Ayo Johnson via his new political journal Think Media.
It is not clear exactly what tweet Mr. Simmons was referring to when he claimed that the OBA would use his views to attempt to distract from the corruption allegations surrounding JetGate, but another of his tweets is below, which could possibly be the one in question, although we have been unable to confirm this.
Or possibly this one….
Mr. Simmons also made an apparent reference to the claim by MP Nandi Davis that her Facebook was hacked after screenshot of offensive messages surfaced.
As noted in the Tweets above, Mr. Simmons said he feels the OBA would be trying to distract from the story posted by Ayo Johnson, which made further allegations against Premier Craig Cannonier.
Mr. Johnson’s story can be read here on his website, it is behind a paywall and requires a $3 fee.
The article recaps the circumstances surrounding “Jetgate” — when the Premier, two Cabinet Ministers and the manager of the Premier’s gas station accept a ride on a private jet last year — and also makes two additional allegations about the Premier’s actions, both citing anonymous sources.
The allegations contained within Mr. Johnson’s story follow after similar allegations were made by Opposition Leader Marc Bean and Shadow Finance Minister David Burt in February of this year, which have resulted in a defamation lawsuit being filed in the Supreme Court.
Both the PLP and OBA declined to comment to Bernews when asked yesterday, and the Premier’s office declined to comment on Mr. Johnson’s story.
Craig – take note – it is very easy. Just go up to visit the Governor and say, I resign.
I wonder why PLP people can resign Walter Roban (from Cabinet) and Jamahl Simmons for a poor choice of words; But the OBA let their people get away with alleged bribery.
Craig you are a disgrace – save yourself before they come with an arrest warrant.
Poor choice of words?
The man advocated for shooting people in the back of the heads and burning down Bermuda and you state it was a ‘poor choice of words.’
Nasty, nasty, nasty.
Tweeting about things is one thing – doing it is something else.
Taking money in return for favours and selling out the country is something completely different and in my mind FAR worse!
So you think threatening to assassinate people, burn down Bermuda and assault people that he thinks looks like (i.e white) the authors of two letters to the editor, and he didn’t say the authors either, he inferred attacking any people that he thinks might resemble the authors was just a “poor choice of words?” He was threatening to attack as well as advocate for shooting people of a certain race and to you that was simply a “poor choice of words?” Did and do the KKK and skinheads then just simply use a “poor choice of words” when spouting their ignorance?
Talk about a massive understatement. That is disgusting in every sense of the word.
In terms of the corruption allegations let the chips fall where they may. If there is concrete evidence to do so, then bring it. The OBA just strengthened the anti-corruption laws in the last session. So it shouldn’t be hard to impeach or resign anyone who is evidenced to be corrupt. I for one am thankful that this Government actually made a move on that front as others appeared to be reluctant to do so which allowed certain characters to act “unethically but not illegally.” I for one would demand resignations if deemed guilty, something that should have happened for many a year now. But didn’t and still won’t. Partisan politics, you gotta love it.
So lets have it because as it stands now it is one freelance journalist’s claim from an unnamed source while the rest of the plot has been rehashed for over a year. The only way to really prove it now is to have a proper investigation and not one on Bernews.
Simmons. needs some sort of therapy…He has gone from party to party… and job to job, MAN GO AND GET SOME HELP .
Anyone who disliked this isn’t a real Bermudian.
Real Bermudians do not advocate the killing of fellow Bermudians or promote the burning down of our island.
Watching Jamahl disintegrate is better than fiction. PLP were smart to cut him loose.
Oh please that’s minor compared to what de Oligarchy said and did, and after hearing what Dunkley said when he forgot his mic was only gives an indication of what he says behind closed doors! Oh I forgot when people of a certain persuasion do or say something that’s detrimental its played down and justified, classic example of 2 Bermuda’s!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
shut up and show us where any other politician in the Government has threatened to hacve people killed and burn down Bermuda.
You are the biggest POS on these sites.
This twittering of death threats to business owners is exactly why the PLP were voted out. Simmons confirms that it is not a fallacy that Bermudians are often NOT qualified to hold certain positions, in this case, Public Relations!
Of all positions, public relations for a disgraced political party should be held by a diplomatic and mindful professional.
Only wise move here was that he either realised his personal disgrace or the party threw him out and made him unemployed and I suspect unemployable. This has its advantages as Simmons was one of the rich who could employ us before and now will have to march and demand a new job with a certain payscale.
Look in the yellow pages and count the local businesses! He is saying that all these owners are well off, paying ‘slave ‘ wages
(I thought slaves were not paid at all) and hate those who arent working? So if you own a business and can’t afford to hire or maybe NEED to hire, you should get a bullet to the head?! This guy needs to be prosecuted for violent threats, damaging our international business relations and being a twit.
Mate, since the OBA won, the PLP calls for them to resign on almost a weekly basis. Seriously, grow up. Just because you don’t like their decisions doesn’t mean they should resign.
Not sure sure about daily basis, and It hasn’t been everyone.
I don’t see anyone asking for Patricia Pamplin or Bob Richards to resign. But Cannonier – if you defend his allegedly unethical behaviour then you are just as guilty as he is!
“if you defend his allegedly unethical behaviour then you are just as guilty as he is!” – um, what? If they are ‘alleged’ then he is not ‘guilty’. but lets not let facts get in your way. you probably defended ewart too… guilty much?
“THE PREMIER MUST RESIGN”
Mr. Simmons, Thanks for standing up and making a public apology and resigning. This was the right thing to do. Thanks for acknowledging your wrong doings, and for making such harsh comments. This I can respect, and your not even an elected official, unlike the Premier.
However, I am having a great difficulty understanding the failure of the Premier, AG, and Crockwell to stand up as REAL MAN and do the same. STAND up and ADMIT they have not been honest to the people of Bermuda. OBA told me on the door steps they would stand for ‘Transparency, Openness, and Honesty.’ So far this has not been the situation. I am becoming more removed from the OBA daily, as the situation continues to unfold. What is done in the dark, will come into the light sooner rather than later. My eyes are now Open.
Bermuda needs to stand up and hold the Premier Accountable for his action. The article from Ayo Johnson reveals a great deal, and is a boomshell and a great indictment on the government of the day. I am sad that a government whom promised us Transparent has indeed failed.
This issue is about the Premier, and he needs to stand up and face the music.
Thanks @Nancy for your outstanding comment. I enjoy reading your comments. I too want to acknowledge that Mr. Simmons was a big enough man to stand up and say he was indeed wrong. His comments were not good.
However, will the Premier of this country also stand up and do what is right? The people must hold the Premier accountable, as the OBA promised us pre-election. “Accountability and Transparency” was a major part of their platform. Mr. Simmons as you pointed out is not an ELECTED OFFICIAL, yet he stood up as a brave man, however the Premier, AG, and Crockwell are members of Parliament are cowards and continue to lie to the people of Bermuda.
Folks whom have not read the entire article from Mr. Johnson, please do so before making a comment. It will reveal that the government of the day have much to answer too, and are hiding behind falsehoods. This is a sad day in Bermuda when a Premier continue to hide and misleaded the Bermuda people of his actions, and not stand on truth.
I expect folks to hold the government accountable. The diehard fans will not, as they follow along blindly. But Bermudians whom stand on principal will stand to hold the government accountable.
Wow, are you talking to yourself Nancy….shows that you are a team of people writing on the same computer….Trying to manipulate the people of Bermuda for the benefit of the opposition
LOL that is hilarious and pathetic….who do they think they are fooling????
@hmmm, that has always been a well known fact, but you have to excuse the Bettie’s today because obviously Alaska Hall is in a tizzy with all this Jahmal stuff!! they never wanted it known how the inner workings and higher ups in the plp really think and operate !!!
Yes I giving myself self praise, never hurt anyone. Your Premier is way in over his head and is drowning, His alleged lies will come to surface some day soon, hold on…looks like a one time govt is what I see in the future….
Hold on one second betty!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ok what were you saying??
and so you are actually suggesting this one time government step aside to let those that collapsed our economy and our future for 20 years,..return for another bite of the cherry?? Get your peddlers license while you can.
Come on. You just TOTALLY got caught. You just proved that you post under several different names. Show some integrity.
This is pathetic.
Wow Nancy..you want Bob head over an alleged comment made from an anonymous source, yet you never had problem with the way the Berkely project, Bda Cement Co, Coco Reef, Whites Island, TSteet Home, The Gaming Machines, or missing $800 million?!!!!
Who in your family or what friend are you protecting?!
Giving yourself praise is one thing, trying to make that praise look like it is coming from someone else is pathetic at best and shows a complete lack of integrity.
Try and be a bit more careful next time LMAO. However now most will doubt any praise that you ‘get’ is legit as it will likely be more self praise except that you may have figured out how to look like a different poster. LOLOLOL
Thanks for the laugh though.
Whoops!
Forgot to change computers there huh Betty?
Ok betty, these two posts by you are in fact hilarious!!! You cannot be taken serious when you make one post and then acknowledge that post with HEAPS OF PRAISE from yourself?? You really need to remember which computer you are using ever time you post!!! You and your plp is exactly why we almost became the laughing stock of the world because of our fall from the top!!!? How on earth can we trust the plp to run this country when you can’t even figure which computer you are using???
But… what if they ARE being honest with the people of Bermuda? Should they still “STAND up and ADMIT they have not been honest”?
I know you’re desperate to get your party back in power, but is this REALLY the way you want to do it?
After reading his twitter rants, I wonder if he has a bigger problem and was encouraged to resign by the PLP just to save face!
What right thinking, mature and educated person thinks like that?!
Her talk show is so bias, every day the same OBA bashing that even us old PLP supporters read between the lines. Both of you need to get a life and be honest within yourselves. TRUE HATERS.
Still waiting for Mark Bean to comment on this “resignation”, perhaps he is waiting for Brown’s permission.
Still waiting for Mark Bean to comment on this “resignation”.
I didn’t think the Jetgate situation had this much truth. What about the 300k sent to the OBA? Oh man sounds like under the table deals from the casino developer.
That’s the reason was the referendum was dropped!!! It was all about money!!
The OBA supporters are really going to try and defend this!!! LMAO
This is funny. These politicians are like rats chasing cheese.
That’s the reason the referendum was dropped!!! It was all about money!!
Cannonier has been a flop of a premiere and a flat out liar. He and the OBA have broken all their promises.
operative word in this case is ‘alleged’
can you imagine if every MP, on either side, automatically resigned whenever there was ‘alleged’ wrongdoing? We’d have none left!
Always thought he was a jack A%^, now I know for sure.
I think he needs help. Seriously, i think this man is calling out for help. These public rantings are not the words of a sane individual. I dont know him but i hope his friends get him the help he is obviously calling out for. Im being totally serious here.
@ Redo,
My thoughts exactly, he needs help asap. Those type of comments are not from someone I nor any of us should want to see in a position of authority and influence. Sad.
see in a position of authority? You mean see on the street.
He is clearly dangerous and has restrained violent fantasies probably with their genesis in his membership with the OBA/UBP before doing a 180 and studying under Brown which seems to have emboldened him to make such outrageous threats.
To top it off he struggles to deflect attention from these comments by urging us to ignore the death treats and focus on a free plane ride!
What the PLP are afraid of is that if the hotels and other projects come about and we turn things around, they will be in the wilderness for a long time.
Jahmal, needs a job…but after his disgusting remarks on twitter who the hell will hire him ?
Ewart
Don’t worry about Jamahl it’s all in the Game plan!
@ Bermuda Boy…….I’m with you on this one. I don’t know how he always gets in wherever he goes. But after having been everywhere, hopefully he now goes into hiding.
Thug
OBA-get it together!!! What is the problem??? You KNOW you are the public’s last hope-why are you giving those who oppose you ammunition???
What is with thise politicians that when they get into power they change? Do they get drunk with power or something? Does the little devil on their shoulder start whispering in their ear or something? Why do they forget their promises and honourable intentions???
What if the PLP asks for a vote of no confidence in this government? Does this country really want the PLP back in power? That is what is going to happen if the OBA doesn’t get its stuff together. Mr. Cannonier needs to step down-I don’t think he’s ideal for the role, anyway. Give Bob Richards the post (if he wants it, that is)-I believe he is a very honest man. In any case, they are seriously starting to turn me off right now. The OBA knows they are this country’s last hope-why mess with that? Do EVERYTHING on the straight and narrow-don’t give anyone anything to use against you! This is seriously troubling!
I don’t think the OBA is giving anyone ammunition but just getting on with it. It’s difficult to defend yourself if the other person has not problem with lying or making huge drama over a plane ride because they have nothing else to pick on.
anon,
As a young Bermudian and first time voter last time around I have to disagree with you. You must not have read the story from Ayo Johnson, for if you have you would see that there is a very disturbing pattern of events involving the leader of the OBA.
And no, they are not just getting on with it, as this is a distraction of Cannonier’s own doing. If anything it is taking him, and the OBA, away from doing the work that we worked and got them elected to do.
We can’t accept this behavior from our elected officials! If we do our country is well and truly finished. We elected to OBA to clean up the mess, not to make more!
If you are looking for patterns then reading stories by Ayo Johnson is a good place to do it.
Where can I read it other than having to go to the Think site?
You can read it everywhere as he said the same thing been said for months about jetgate then threw the 2 million dollar figure out saying some anonymous guy said it.
No I haven’t read it but will now because of what you just said. I agree when we vote for politicians, we expect them to be clean!
I find your voting pattern is based on voting for someone clean to be refreashingly naive. Such a politician is almost mythical, though I can think of only a couple in the last 20+ years, on both sides of the fence. However they represent a barely calculable percentage and rarely been in much of a position in their parties to have bettered policy.
No, in realism, one votes for the lesser of 2 evils, measuring the politicians character to who best you believe can get the best job done at least cost to yourself. To that end, the PLP failed miserably in their time and from their constant prattling since, do not appear to have come up with anything better since. This is primarily because they are ideologists, and divided ideologists at that. Half of them want the social ideology, the other nationalist, almost all of them are it it for themselves to some fashion or another, the result, failure for truly benificial policy to the health of the country as a whole. They still pursue a policy of divide and conquer and distract with fluffy ideas, that even they must know they can not fully pull off. Their snap to supposed legislations they have tried to put forward for conscription and marajuana decriminalization shows they still have little desire to actually put much thought into their bills and any possible consequences for them.
Do I think the OBA are doing a good job, no, not really, but it is better than anything the PLP has been able to put up and they are clouded by impossible ideologies. I do believe Craig should be considering his way out now, he lead them in, but now it is time for a better leadship to take them forward. His leadership is not what the country needs. I certainly don’t believe that the next OBA leader will be entirely selfless in his conviction, but there are much better candidates in there for this country.
What I find interesting is that the PLP claims the Premier Cannonier is just the face and doesn’t control anything. Then the PLP turns around and says Cannonier should resign because of the way he is running the country. It can’t be both!
The problem I have with this whole thing is why have these individuals not put the same amount of effort into finding out where the PLP government “misplaced” $800 million dollars! Or why was the same investigative reporting not used to look into Proactive / Berkeley , T-Street Home, Fast Ferry Contract, Bermuda Cement Company, Corporation of Hamilton gift lease, Coco reef 90 year Lease, Whites Island 24 year lease.
I think it is all in the works .
When the name Ayo Johnson is thrown out there it should always been noted that…journalists are not supposed to have bias in their writing, but Mr. Johnson is known for his bias.
And the timing of his blog and this issue with Mr. Simmons is probably more than coincedence. Mr. Johnson may have himself a new job. Seriously, some guy I can’t name told me so.
Anon, there have been a few instances now where the OBA has not acted as honourably as they should and left themselves open to question. I have heard a few things that haven’t even made the press and it really turns one off as it reminds me of what they accused the PLP of doing.
The PLP is chomping at the bit to dethrone them and they know this-they HAVE to act honourably at all times and in all matters! There cannot even be a hint of corruption or dishonesty! What is the alternative? People who would normally have voted PLP voted for them in the last election and many-yes, MANY!-are regretting that decision. So what happens? They vote the PLP back in! Can Bermuda afford that???
I am speaking of PERCEPTION here-whether it is the reality or not. If people simply PERCEIVE that all is not kosher, they will turn on the OBA in a heartbeat.
While we’re at it, it doesn’t help when Dr. Gibbons stands there and arrogantly says the PLP left a mess. Many do believe that, but coming from him? He really has no idea how some people think…those types of comments will backfire big time and need to stop. The OBA just doesn’t get it-they just aren’t in touch with the so-called ‘grassroots Bermudians’ and if they don’t get in touch, they will regret it.
Excuse me but what do you know of Dr Gibbons?
How can stating the truth and an undisputed fact that the PLP created the mess we are in for decades,be called ‘arrogant’?
Arrogant was invented by one of the PLP leaders.
Dr Gibbons is to be resented for what? Being intelligent , committed to public service even though nobody out there with secure finances would dream of doing this political nightmare job?
The grassroots as you refer to some people couldnt care less for him or anyone trying to save this island so stop trying to portray them as the angels from heaven. Now if you are successful you are the scum of the earth? Who do you think is building businesses that you want to offer new jobs? Not the grassroots clearly, they want the job but wont consider taking the risks and 18 hr days to create the business.
@ Bermuda Male,
Are you a carpenter? If you aren’t then you should be because nail and head come to mind.
Thanks for stating it clearly, sadly the likes of Disgusted will never get it… because they don’t want to. Sad
I guess you are unaware of the way power works in the human psyche. The old adage “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely” rings true back then and it still rings true today. Good Governance should not hinge on personalities, because people are inherently flawed. Good governance can only be achieved, with a good system of governance and the Westminster model is not it. The flip side to that is, we the people and this is globally, have always gotten, the type of governance that we deserve. The people who governs, are a microcosm of the people they govern. So until the people evolve into a more politically aware people and develops the level of political maturity that is required to get a more progressive form of government, we will always find ourselves, stuck in this cycle of Party Politics.
At this point, it’s only a very small minority of people who knows that we can do better and advocates for it. The vast majority of people thinks, that this is the best that we can do and as such, have surrendered to it’s inherent flaws. So until we demand better, not as individuals, but collectively, we will be going back and forth between the two parties for some time to come.
You missed this little nugget from the PLP’s spin doctor: “Some call me brilliant…I don’t correct them!”
He needs to report to St Brendan’s for a serious oil change.
Jahmal,you have to sdmit you said some terrible things on twitter…you need to apologize….and I am sure your wife will allow you do so on her show.
Listen to her show, she is as bias as anyone can be. Then again it is owned by a PLP minister and recorded in the known PLP/BIU building. We are in quicksand and they will sink the whole Island no matter what, as long as the OBA is governing.
What’s interesting is that the OBA have seemingly just ignored the story by Ayo Johnson, and act as if no one has done anything wrong.
If you notice, nothing is in another media concerning the story by Johnson. We definitely see how things work now.
Thank you Bernews for keeping us in the loop.
Because the story is full of hot air. Read by an unofficial “Ombudsman” and quote from unnamed sources within. That could be Johnny Barnes for all we know. Pauleeease.
In any other country, this story would at least be looked into by officials. The issue here is that the OBA won’t even deny their wrong doings, etc.
It’s too much like a dictatorship. The OBA don’t care for the people at all. It’s all their word versus ours. And apparently we are to take them at their word, because God knows they haven’t lied to us, right?
Since the OBA have dramatically strengthened anti-corruption laws and have more coming down the pipeline the DPP and Police will be able to look into it.
You do realize that respected journalists rarely name their sources when uncovering dirt. But because the sources are unnamed to protect them, YOU don’t believe the story? Right, because naming sources here in small Bermuda won’t harm the person’s life/livelihood at all.
Stay ignorant if you like, but something sinister is going on in the OBA.
I admit I haven’t read the story but will now because I don’t think we have for for any more dirty politics no matter who’s in power
..have time for any more dirty…..
How are you making these comments and you haven’t even READ the story!!!! Go read it!
This whole story reeks of Ewart
The ombudsman on the story hasn’t given his report yet. He’s not an editor. He doesn’t read it beforehand.
Jahmal is a PLP supporter always… or until it is in his best interests to support another party…
I suppose this makes him some sort of marter.
Not a martyr but proves he is and always will be nothing than an oversized thug
There a number of good therapists operating on the Island, Jamhal, seriously, avail yourself of some help!
U people r funny as hell tell me again who is drinking the koolaid SMDH
Too late for therapy, he has gone over the edge!
One the other hand maybe he will form another party, after all, he has a spokes person on the payroll already.
As someone who volunteered and worked for the OBA I am disgusted with the revelations brought to light in the Ayo Johnson story.
We voted for a better government and it looks like we’re getting more of the same if not WORSE! What is even more wild is that I’m now hearing from people I worked with on the campaign that the OBA never got the campaign donation mentioned in the article!
OBA please respect your voters, and stand up for what is right. Get rid of this man and lets put this sad state of affairs behind us. If not ALL of US are guilty for putting up with it and that makes us no better than the PLP and a bunch of hypocrites.
If you don’t do anything I will vote independent or not vote at all! Your voters deserve better than what they are getting!
Who is the source for the story about the donation request? Was that person named? I’m just curious as to their political affiliations. Damn Bermuda politics is getting down and dirty these days
Can you please give me the link to the Ayo story? I must have missed it. Thanks!
Never mind, just saw the link in the story above.
@WELL SAID TRANSPARENCY…..
The Premier needs to be Honest, and step down. At least an unofficial Person such as Simmons did stand up and admit his wrong doings. But yet an official MP failing to be honest to the people. REALLY
I have read at least 3 stories where individuals have sent threatening texts to their ex’s. Words such as “I’m gonna kill u” and etc. All cases that i have read lead to jail time or suspended sentences. Jahmal, seriously, you are talking about killing people. What’s different from your online rant and some shmo that texted the same type of threats to their ex-girlfriend? I have seriously lost all respect for you.
If you were one of the ex’s I wouldn’t blame them.
My sentiments exactly. Why has he not been arrested.
BEtty Dump, I know you love my name that you trying to use one similar to me…but get REAL FOR SURE
Jahmal is NOT an ‘Elected Official’, he is not the real issue here. The issue here is the breaking story by Ayo Johnson. GO read that story and than comment, or are you rather willing to stay protecting the lies of the Premier and your government OBAubp. Or maybe it is easier for you to deflect by putting the focus on Jahmal. Your like the other media outlets in Bermuda- avoidance.
FACE REALITY. THE recent story does not bode well for the government of the day. The Premier and JETGATE 4 need to come straight to the people of Bermuda. The Jetgate 4 are failing to hold up the principals of the OBAubp in terms of TRANSPARENCY, HONESTY, and OPENESS.
THE PREMIER NEEDS TO RESIGN NOW.
I don’t care if he is an elected official or not… he believes that it would be “fun to watch the city burn” and put bullets in peoples’ heads. If you are ok with that, then there is something seriously flawed with your thinking process.
Sorry but your selfish aim of diverting everyones attention away from the party spokesman who has advocated shooting business people and watching the city burn, to an over contrived, over blown, one off free plane ride by an over eager new premier hoping to secure the first big investor in our damaged and broken society,..courtesy of your party!
RIDICULOUS!
Completely hypocritical!
You’ve lost your mind, “Bettty”
I think the difference MAY be that it wasn’t a direct threat but more of a speculative question and wasn’t directed to anyone in particular.
You are correct there is no explicit threat to anyone but hypothetical questionS “what if”. Its still in poor taste though!
I told you guys before don’t trust Craig, it takes a shark to know a shark. He’s going to sink the entire ship.
Well the Bda Sun did not print it nor the RG.
More propaganda from the PLP and the…..
To much libel in it.
$3 for inciting unrest?
Things are not looking good for the future.
By any means necessary………..
Story was investigated by Ayo Johnson. The other news outlets are bias as best, and have been that way for more than over 60 years. DO not expect them to print anything against the current government, especially when they work hard to protect the interest of the same folks they are in bed with. REALLY
So OPEN up your EYES and get REAL for a change. If you know the history of the media in Bermuda, you would not even expect the story to be printed in other media sources in Bermuda.
Bermuda still suffers from a bias, racial old system of favoritisms and racism of one group of people over another. No one is surprise that such breaking-news is not printed in all Media outlets in Bermuda, if they are alert to what is going on in Bermuda. Seems your out in left field. I think you need to do a little homework, rather than just DEFEND the OBAubp for the sake of defending them.
In 1998 I thoughtand waited and hoped that my scepticism would just be the usual nervous reaction to radical change. I still find it hard to accept, the Bermuda that we became under the previous government. I for one did not have to be deceived. I was hoping to be relieved. But know, apparently its supposedly better that yur own screw you over. What happened under the pervious government surpassed my worst expectation and the damage that still remains is something that the party has no right to abdicate their own responsibility in the state of affairs we find ourselves in today. All the finger pointing and accusations can not re write the history that preceeded the mess we are in today.
You are all a bunch of DRAMA QUEENS looking for the next GOSSIP tweet or post. You all need to get a life and stop listening to the crap on the airwaves!
And we wonder why we have some people act they way they do nowadays when the have influences such as this.
Dont get me wrong, ANY politician invovled in any sort of corruption or personal gain should be dealth with.
But no excuse for the language he used in some of his tweets. Some youth could read this and take it the wrong way! Disgusting behaviour and very unBermudian. Makes me feel ashamed. Having seen this, glad he resigned.
Ayo Johnson – fired or resigned from every media post he worked in
Editor of Ayo’s piece – ex-press secretary to Ewart Brown
Sources – all anonymous
Simmons – should be in jail
With recent education debate online about scholarships etc. this is a great example of someone getting a degree but being worthless at their profession. Dude claims to be a PR expert and then sends out public tweets of this nature lol, he will be next one up saying he was passed over for a job by a foreign worker.
I thought Jahmal had a job at the Fairmont south Princess !!!does he still work there ?
Hopefully it’s cleaning toilet with that kind of attitude
I don’t know how anybody can even trust the guy since he jumped from one political party to the next. When he saw the NLP wasn’t going anywhere, he jumped ship to the UBP. He was setting his sights on being the next Premier. However, when he saw the PLP win a couple elections, and the UBP losing ground, he saw his dreams go up in smoke. Then he set his sights on the PLP, because he anticipated them being around for awhile. I’m surprised he didn’t try to join the OBA after they won
So he’s nothing more than a political sl#t
Can’t you all see? This is all by design. They couldn’t just dismiss Cannonier and replace him with the heir-apparent (Fahy/Dunkley/??) because they know it’s what we were expecting to happen (remember the black surrogates??). They have to make it look bad enough so that when they do dismiss him, the general population will support it.
Play with fire, you get burned.
You need to stop listening to talk shows. I guess OJ Simpson was innocent and someone planted the glove too, right? Geez come on
Never said I thought he was innocent of all this. I do think he was just following orders and is now in hot water because of it. He is a neophyte to politics, running with the old school fools. A steep learning curve for him, too little too late though.
Exactly what I was saying.. Read um like a book!
While I am not paying to view a column it would be interesting to see the information put forth by mr Johnson. from the comments on the original link it seems there is some significant information to be addressed at least. Is it possible for Bernews to contact Mr. Johnson for comment etc. or is the information inflammatory and Mr. Johnson does not have the ability to collaborate his reports etc.?
“DRAMA QUEENS” ?
This is not “gossip”.
Islam. Alive and well.
Ala……………….ba…………………….
Hilarious. Simmons reveals himself as a foul-mouthed thug, and has to resign, and he tries to deflect attention by bringing up an issue that is already in court.
Maybe he can get a job as a radio ‘talk show host’. Seems like that’s the obvious next step in his glittering career.
Yes hilarious. If you listen to the talk show right now, no mention of him. Trying to deflect away from him and keeps talking about jetgate.
Deflection is the PLP’s specialty. Ownership, not so much.
Simmons is not an “ELECTED OFFICIAL”, his not the key factor in this entire matter. However, the Premier is an “OFFICIAL ELECTED OFFICER OF BERMUDA” he has failed the people. THE JETGATE 4 are of concern. Go read the story by Ayo Johnson, much has been revealed and it is not a good look.
The Premier and JETGATE 4 have much to answer too. They are the elected officials in Bermuda. They are whom we should be focus on. Mr. Simmons does not sit in the house of Parliament, nor does he make major decisions that impact the direction of Bermuda. I think it is you and others whom are doing the deflection approach to avoid holding the government OBAubp accountable.
That story suggest the OBAubp need to stand on TRANSPARENCY, HONESTY and OPENNESS, and so far they have NOT. At least Simmons had the guts to admit his wrong doings, and your PREMIER continues to lie to the people of Bermuda. He failing and falling on his sword. Please get the OBAubp to stand up and grow up. Folks have already lost faith in the party and government,this story just puts another nail on the box.
How much did the PLP pay the foul mouthed thug, Betty?
It was a the topic on Sherry J. In fact Mr. Simmons called in himself to discuss it.
Match made in hell
Then that show would be “Haters
Radio” instead of the current “Hate Radio”
Can you imagine Jahmal and his wife together as talk show hosts !!!
I never thought talk radio could become so hateful…thank God for the Shirley Dill show, she is a delightful and wonderful lady, but she can be tough when need be.
i think they should have a show on satellite radio uncensored of course,for your optimum listening pleasure…no excuses then.
“Always PLP” except when he was a UBP MP.
People! Stop shooting the messenger! In light of all the accusations of the conduct of our honorable Premier, we have been told that our questions won’t be answered because of the court case. Well I say, your case does not involve us, your voters, you need to face us to dispel these allegations to restore your good name!
I bet the more seasoned politicians are just rolling their eyes and telling him “This too shall pass” because there’s a very large amount of smoke but very little fire and I’m sure they all see it that way too. People have short memories, obviously, with all this going on.
Yeah – stop shooting the messenger – shoot those who hate us and won’t hire us.
I’m a 26 year old first time voter. I can’t believe I voted for this fool and persuaded my household to vote for him too! He needs to resign!
Sure you are
The Premier should not resign. No government is perfect. There will always be something that some will not like, but we also need to look at some of the positives that have taken place thus far. I’m not saying that the Premier is perfect, no one is perfect. But since he and his government have been in the position to run the country I believe that those who want the OBA out of power have been making some low blows. They seem to be searching for anything to bring the Premier down and that I do not appreciate as a fellow person in this country. There is to much hate and animosity. We all need to move this county forward together. Let the Premier do his job and let go of all this other foolish shananigans. premier stand firm and understand that to who much is given, much is expected. It is a heavy crown you are wearing, but wear it proudly, with integrity and dignity.
In all honesty I have never read more drivel by someone with a guilty conscience in my life.
“Jet Gate”.
Bwahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
Premier Ewart Brown and his Ace Bouy Col. Burch had the best jet gate.
They conspired with the United States of America to bring in 4 Chinese Uighurs.
They are here illegally according to the Constitution.
Hell. The Queens Representative did not know. We have a Constitution; correct?
Nothing came of this and you can bet your ass someone got something.
Just reflect on those involved and where they are now.
Not a word out of them. Especially Ms. Cox.
And where is my $800 million.
I need some Koolaide.
another reason why the PLP won’t get my vote for a very long time. They really need to clean house at Alaska Hall…people like Simmons and other hangers on, including some biggoted MPs that lack political maturity need to go before the party heals itself
now he’s on 102fm belly aching….c’mon Simmons, you know yur a target, why make it easy for them to blast u? no sense whatsoever
Hey thanks . 102fm , keep driving traffic that way !
I have known Jamahl and Wayne Furbert for many years. They are both political… although I think Wayne might have Bermudas interests at heart – although I can gaurantee you he has his interests ahead of Bermudas.
Jamahl should be arrested for this public display – this would not be tolerated in any civilized society.
To those of you who are disappointed in the OBA – I can assure you taht half of us solid OBA’ers are too. Trouble is that they know what to do but they are politically naive and they dont know how to communicate. But the biggest reason that allows me to admit but accept the downsides to the likes of Craig Cannonier is that the alternative is simply the end of the road for Bermuda.
I mean whether you are a PLP or OBA sympathizer…if you have your eyes and ears open….you do know what will happen if the PLP gets back in ? As long as you realize the facts (and ask any business person or economist if you really think these are not facts !!!)are that you will see capital flee and never come back;there wioll be NO tourists or expats to be nasty to you; will not have a job; you will not be able to rent that apartment; and you will see those people who can – leave this country in droves. If you can tolerate the consequences…all the best to you.
On the one hand, I do feel this is a bit hard on him and sympathise a bit. The point he was making in those tweets (supporting pro-Bermudian businesses) is a good one, even if he got a little carried away.
On the other, it’s clear that he exceeded the latitude that should be given to free expression. There is no excuse for even suggesting violence against others, whatever one’s intentions.
A reminder to us all, I guess, to be a little more careful on social media.
That’s what you call it, getting “carried away”? When he’s suggesting putting bullets in heads and burning things down, that’s “getting carried away”?
We saw his true colours. The PLP spokesman is a foul mouthed thug.
Mr.Simmons is like Clippers owner Sterling.
I hope his mindset is not that of the PLP. Such bigotry is not acceptable!
I am really dismayed by our political arena, or have I just been keeping my head in the sand with both Party’s, expecting them to do the peoples bidding once they are in position! I do wish this site would only allow people to post with their real identities because there is so much hate from both sides here! And because we choose to defend our corners regardless of what is done we never achieve anything! So I guess we all drown!
What if the Premier really didn’t solicit money? Just what if this is the ploy (an inside OBA job) to get rid of him? Which we all knew was the plan from jump, we just didn’t know how they planned on doing it.
Or more likely a ploy by the opposition to discredit the Gov. This seems more likely
Really? “We all knew” this?
Care to elaborate?
Do you have a lick of evidence to substantiate this?
Or just more “What if”s?
Come on. Do better.
As yes, some of the older OBA politicians sat around a table one night in the dark conspiring on how to take down their very own party. The next part of their secret conspiracy is world domination. Paullllease
Mike I really hope you are not as naive as you sound..If you really believe that the inner elements of the OBA want Craig as their leader? All I can do is SMH.
king of the idiots.
So… no, you have ABSOLUTELY nothing to back up your claims?
That’s what I thought.
Do better.
If you’re going to make accusations, back them up.
Show just a LITTLE integrity. Come on.
RIGHT! It happened with Jennie smith! maybe the OBA could be nearly as bad as Ewart
Wow !!! Had he shut up after his first tweet, he may have made a little tiny bit of sense. Now he sounds like an average idiot who has knocked off early and found relaxation in a bottle of anything !!! Sometimes it is better to remain quiet and be though a fool than to tweet and remove all doubt !!!! LMAO !!! Have another shot of tequila Jamahl !!!!! You are funny !!!
Jamahl is just an opportunist in love with the sound of his own voice. At one time he was my UBP MP; I found him so insincere that for the first time in my life I cast a blank ballot. Not so long after, Ewart did a number on him and he switched sides thinking (I suppose) that this would get him that much further ahead and completely missed the point that this had nothing to do with him but everything to do with Ewart’s antipathy towards anyone and anything UBP. My point is he was equally used by first the UBP who were so desperate for a young black male candidate that they used this nonentity in one of their safest seats and then by the PLP for no other reason than to humiliate the UBP – and he still does not get it…
@Gotham !! You hit the Jahmal on the head !!!! LMAO !!!
“i remain a PLP supporter always” ….. except when anothe political party is paying my wages. You’re just a political prostitute with not a single shred of credability in the community. Hopefully we’ll not see you in the public eye again for a long time.
I didn’t get to listen did his wifey blow up the airwaves this morning about his disgucting comments or does she only do that now when its the ruling party that makes a mistep. The change of tone in her program since the election has been astonishing.
She never said a word about it.
It is amazing to see that some people refuse to believe that it is possible for the OBA government to make mistakes. The government must be willing to stand behind its decisions and stop blaming the past. Education should not have been cut. Yes we need to make cuts but where we cut must be in everyones best interest. I accept that choices have to be made I dont agree where they are being made . There is no excuse for cutting the further education award!
Little Big Man has spoken and we should all shake with trepidation…
WTF!!!…i’m lmfao…ya boy has lost his mind……i’m just wondering who will do all this hiring if you shoot business owners cause they wont hire you…then the business would close putting your friendly neighborhood Bermudian in the unemployment line behind you…Jamal…you are having unpure thoughts now…its time to disappear and relax, your stress level has elevated to a RED ZONE and it’s not conducive to a long life to enjoy with your family.
Twitter is for Twitts.
I love the comments from the PLP leadership as their public relations officer calls for murder, assassinations and the burning down of Bermuda.
They were quick to respond with …………………… silence.
If this story had been about a PLP politician a certain daily would had
blaring headlines with the story going on for days.
I wonder what those foreign journalists are telling their newspaper colleagues back in Britain about their sell out of newspaper reporting ethics? If this was Britain every newspaper worth it’s salt would have been all over this story. In fact the media would have been camped outside of the Premier’s official residence forcing him to say something.
Well I am not upset with the premier’s no comment; the OBA government is digging it’s own political grave; soon I will not have to write a thing about this anti-Bermudian one term OBA government; all I will have to do is sit back and watch the implosion. One thing though what I won’t give to be a fly on the wall at some of these OBA political supporters dinner parties as they discuss how did they place this Nero on their throne?
alvin, I am totally amazed that you have no problem attacking our. Premier and the RG, ( NOT!! ) but after your usual nonsense attacks on the very government that is in fact trying to turn your plp’s disaster around for the good of everyone including you!! You are absolutely silent on what Jahmal said??? Do you actually think putting bullets into the back of certain people’s heads is appropriate talk from one of your plp higher uppers??? Looking forward to your response alvin???
You are right for once, Alvin. OBA supporters will publicly question the OBA party. They will vent their frustrations at the OBA leadership and executive.
You and the PLP, on the other hand, will act like everything is kosher. No one will ever hear a PLPer criticise the PLP cuz you’re told to get in line and shut up. You’re told to never appear weak to the “oligarchy”. You love the struggle cuz that’s your only play.
I seem to remember a certain Ms.Battersbee , a card carrying PLP supporter from constituency 37 spearheading the march against the Uighers . That day UPSET a lot of PLP supporters , but , we had DR.BROWN and like the Americans say …Colors don’t RUN .
You’re absolutely right.
And for her efforts, some truly vile things were said about her and about the protesters. There was no “The People Of Bermuda deserve to be heard, why aren’t the Government listening?” from those calling for that now, was there?
Nono… it was “Based on the skin colour of most of the people there, this was a lynch mob.”
Yeah… that’s a great example of what that person was talking about… if you’re trying to make her point.
Were you?
@ Coffee,
Correction needed. The demonstrations organized by the ‘Bermudians’ where not against the Uighur’s themselves. Far from it actually. They happened to be the unfortunate pawns in that fiasco perpetrated by Dr. Browns ‘Govt of one’ and other neutered individuals.
The demonstrations came about because of Dr. Brown leadership and the PLP’s inability to be transparent etc…
Good point!
Alvin: If the story had been about a PLP politician, he would simply have cried race. I guess you miss those good ole days huh…
Idiot. Keep smokin’ da tweed
You’re not upset with the “no comment”… but what about the comment he DID make? Saying that the allegations were false?
Where is the Bermuda Police Dept? Those tweets were calls for the execution of elected officials.
The only bullets I am going to fire will be intellectual ones and when I hear screams and cries I know I have hit my target.
In no way what Jahmal said can be compared to corrupt political leaders and media who help to cover it up. Your OBA government is doing nothing but conspiring to create a Bermuda without the Bermudian and we will resist””
Alvin, you are so misguided.
Hold on one second betty!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ok what were you saying??
Alvin, I can now see spelling was not one of your strong suits in school, plp is spelt ” PLP ” I am sure that is who you were referring too when you mentioned corruption!!!!!
Idiot
You’re firing an unloaded gun, if that’s the case, Mr. Williams.
Your last sentence sums up your whole message… that you are willing to say ANYTHING, no matter how false or misleading or dishonest, in order to push your political agenda.
The fact that you don’t have the courage to answer anyone’s debunking of your lies or even respond to question just shows this even more.
PLEASE do better. PLEASE try being honest. PLEASE try showing integrity.
Alvin you must call a ‘spade a spade’. When you say Bermudian you must be specific. This OBAUBP Government wishes to create a lily white paradise. They are gradually doing the “Tucker’s Town Move On Black Folks”.
Mr.Simmons and Mr.”Clippers” Sterling should get together and duke it out.Would be very entertaining.
When the Western mind speaks of so-called Law and order the native reaches for the knife in his belt-Frantz Fanon- The Wretched of the Earth.
Good thing there are no native peoples to Bermuda then Alvin… Just imports that make this place a Heinz 57 of diversity.
Why don’t you LEAVE the western world and go somewhere where there is a socialist utopia that you seem to think exists?
(That almost sounds like something a real bermudian would say to an expat…doesn’t it? How does it feel?)
I just wish EVERYBODY would grow up and END the tit for tat….There are so many more pressing issues at hand…..Too much negativity….. that’s why there is little to no progression…..WE must LEARN to choose our battles….EVERYTHING is NOT worthy of a response….sometimes we just have to let things go…….(repost)
What, pray tell, drives these people to so emulate the U.S. republican party? Are they watching Faux ‘News’?
Prosecute!
Jamahl spoke what a lot of Black folks are thinking. There have been times when I have personally thought if my thoughts alone could kill–well I won’t say the rest. I’m keeping it to myself–I’m just thinking it. You will figure out what I mean.
You’re going places in life pal, with a hard-done-by, world-owes-me-everything, spoiled brat approach like that please do not make it Westgate because some fool like Jamahl has you duped.