Opinion: “Jamahl Simmons A Flawed Politician”
[Opinion column written by OBA Communications Committee Chairperson Toni Daniels]
Anyone who looks carefully at Jamahl Simmons’ record will realise that he is a very flawed politician.
Simple ambition, not political philosophy, is the force that drives him.
When he came back to Bermuda after his education in the US had been completed, he joined the Progressive Labour Party. He was not chosen as a candidate in the 1998 election, however, and a short time later left the party. Briefly, he was a member of the NLP.
In 2001, he joined the United Bermuda Party. In 2003, he became the Member of Parliament for Pembroke West, winning the seat in a bye-election. He served as a Shadow Minister until 2007, when a general election loomed. Rumours began to circulate that because he hadn’t paid much attention to his constituency, he was going to be challenged in a primary.
Dramatically, he quit the UBP, attacking his colleagues as “nitwits”. He sat as an independent for a short time, but then returned to the PLP.
So in less than a decade, he has been a member of the PLP twice, the NLP, the UBP and an independent. One is bound to ask whether there is any political centre at all in this man. To judge by the choices he has made, he’s in politics simply because he likes the lifestyle.
Before he got involved in politics, he was a sports reporter. He worked for a short time for a local hotel. He was the Premier’s Chief of Staff for a year. He left that job because, he said, he wanted to run for the PLP in the 2012 election. They didn’t pick him as a candidate. Instead, he wrote press releases for the PLP until his meltdown on Twitter earlier this year prompted him to resign.
As a member of the Opposition UBP, he complained that he couldn’t get a job because employers were afraid of annoying the PLP, but other politicians don’t seem to have had similar difficulties.
He seems quick to blame anything and anyone but himself when things go wrong. When he left the PLP back in the late ‘90s, he said the PLP talked black, but didn’t act black.
When he left the UBP, he said there was a shadowy cabal of white racists who were out to get him. Threats, he said, had been made to his supporters by those seeking to oust him.
He failed in his bid to be a common councillor on the St George’s Corporation, he suggested, because he had had only a week to canvass.
When he had to resign from the PLP’s writing team because of his offensive tweets, he said the OBA would “attempt 2 distract from the corruption allegations surrounding JetGate by attacking me for my personal views.” The OBA did no such thing.
He described himself as “a political has-been”.
That, we think, is an appropriate summation. His volatility and poor judgement have prevented him from making an impact in any of the political parties he has joined, and we have no reason to think Sandys South will be any different. As he himself once observed, leopards don’t change their spots.
We believe the PLP is using Jamahl Simmons to plug a hole they weren’t prepared to fill at the time the seat fell vacant with a more suitable candidate. We think the lack of any mention of the bye-election and Jamahl Simmons’ candidacy on the PLP’s web page is probably a confirmation of their lack of enthusiasm.
We think they are simply gambling that the voters in Sandys South will act out of blind loyalty to the PLP. But we have faith that the voters there have better judgement than that.
Toni Daniels
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Ouch!
I’m quite shocked that anyone in the OBA allowed themselves to be tied to this article.
Just when you think politics couldn’t get any lower.
Sad state in this island. We have big issues, and this is what we get from the Government. Shameful.
Grown up OBA, there are people who have been out of work for years and this is your solution?
No the people needed to hear how little the PLP think of them.
Very disappointed in this poor quality of electioneering! I was hoping the OBA would ensure a clean approach to this by-election. I expected more and hoped for real change. Toni Daniels I am not sure you are, I thought you were better than this, as this article puts you well below the line of quality politics. Let’s deal with the issues and stop this foolish nonsense and gutter politics.
His comments and their content are an issue
Not surprised at all! Every submission from Toni Daniels has been sub-standard and trash. She herself lacks political substance. She was a hopeless Senator and is now grasping at straws. Her article on black people was an absolute travesty. The OBA need to fire her and whoever writes for her! She took a gulp of the damn kool-aid!
I am saddened by this article written by Toni and approved by the OBA. It suggest the OBA are willing to play gutter politics, rather than do politics differently as they promised me. Now I see a revealing of an entirely negative and desperate action by a party who I believed would conducted this election based upon the issues only. Mr. Dunkley I am disappointed that you would stoop so low, not sure I can continue my support if this is the direction the OBA are heading in. All I can say is shame on the OBA and folks that act and think like Toni Daniel.
@speak truth, for the record, nobody is fooled by the likes of you, Sally, John , we the people, rhonda and all the rest going down this thread!!! You are all plper’s working for the same goal!!! Nice try but even bigger fail!!!!
I’m not sure what sadden your as only the truth was told here. Is this really the person you would want to represent you?
It’s not Govt, it is the party saying it
seems Mr. Simmons was not the first person to accuse the OBA of gutter politics…
Independent candidate David Sullivan.
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Independent candidate for today’s Devonshire South Central by-election David Sullivan yesterday alleged that fellow candidate Craig Cannonier’s canvassing team has been telling voters that a Constitutional crisis could occur if they do not send him to the House of Assembly.
The claim was vigorously denied by the One Bermuda Alliance which says that their rival is “manufacturing an issue that is simply not there” in order to get media attention.
“I’ve spent a fair amount of time correcting misinformation that’s out there from the OBA side that there could be a constitutional crisis should Mr Cannonier not be successful. That, of course, is utter nonsense,” Mr Sullivan said.
Not sure where you are coming from here but if you are suggeting
political people should not lay bare the facts, in this case, a would be politician running for a seat in order to ‘help run the country’, and make clear WHO they are possibly voting for, then what?
It is of paramount importance to do so. We need to know the track record of such people.
Wishing to sweep Mr Simmons’s record of representation under the carpet does us no favors.
Anyone who can flip flop between all available parties until he finally strikes it advantageous, is portraying extreme cynacism.
There couldn’t be a wider gulf between ideologies and one must seriously question this crossing the floor every time things don’t work out for the man.
The PLP have had the lion’s share of this crossing the floor for
disingenuous reasons.
While it is clear the PLP are trying hard to remove all those who had a hand in collapsing our economy and replacing with a new and younger contingent, they still need to find level headed business friendly persons to put forward.There own chosen Accountant General under Brown stated clearly, she could not account for over $800 million based on the submitted financials from all government departments!
Apparently ‘this too shall pass’
Just last week the Premier asked the country to stick together going forward and not just for the hurricane/storm. Wasn’t she listening? I ask her to stand in front of a camera and tell us what she has done to make Bermuda a better place. She really needs a lesson in history. Staring her right in the face is Dr. Clarence James statement: “Are we being used? and he was joined by many others. Sad that she has had to sink so low and not deal with the national issues, assuming she knows what they are. I want to hear the candidates address the issues and not all of this nonsense.
Ouch is correct the OBA will suffer for stooping so low..
so, by your reasoning, the PLP must be suffering to the point of no return since they are the masters of below-the-belt, crap talking, out right lying gutter politics. i am glad you now see it how it is.
Toni Daniels OBA Communications Committee Chairperson since you know so much about Jamahl Simmons why don’t you tell Bermuda what happen to the $350k. Also why did the previous Chairman Thad Hollis bail on the OBA after he drafted the internal investigation on the previous Premier and man that you stood by with Mrs. Marshall a few days ago with smiles. It’s alleged that Mr. Hollis found out some very serious information with his internal investigation and was directed to keep it hush hush so other peoples heads wouldn’t be chopped off like Craigy! Care to shed any light anyone anyone?
That’s not a ouch, I call this blog a FEEDING FRENZY.
It is an internal OBA party matter that you are talking about. None of that $350k was ever public money. Now you tell us where the $800m missing TAXPAYERS money went under the PLP when they were in power. Anyone anyone?!
I got one better tell us why know one from the PLP has been placed in Jail for the missing $800 mill. Tell us what happened to the 2000 job promise. Make that 3000 jobs now, since the only jobs created since the OBa$$ got in power are for everyone other then Bermudians.
Maybe we should ask Mrs. Marshall what happened to the jobs. More excuses and more bull$–T from a party full of cloned offspring from the once power mighty UBP.
ANYONE ANYONE?!
I suppose for the same reasons that OJ Simpson is a free man…
Nothing happened to the 2,000 job promise. You PLP supporters started jumping on that from the first day the OBA came into office. Is that really all you PLP supporters have in your armory? Remember, one major hotel development is 2,000 jobs right there. Also, think about how many jobs have been saved because of the OBA.
Have a great weekend.
justin: You’ve called a spade a spade bie’. Unfortunately we the people of Bermuda (whether one’s a P.L.P. or O.B.A. supporter) may never know where the $ went…But when the truth is revealed as it has been done by Toni Daniels it.s considered dirty politics
Stop moaning you P.L.P. cry babies.
Party before country with them, Ray…
Ah. Change the subject from Twitter Boy’s lack of substance. Gotcha.
I am interested in whereabouts of $7 million bond debacle, the $64million overrun on Heritage wharf, the money that Bermuda received for the Uighars ad nauseum and then lets concern ourselves with a fraction of that amount being $350k.
There will never be a super majority in the House again. Thank the PLP for that. Both parties and their MP’s will have to earn their stay. Take voters for granted – you are going home. Let the games begin Bermuda.
It looks like the OBA are looking more and more like the PLP… I didn’t vote to hear about this crap.
whatever your opinion on Jamahl or politics, I find it interesting that the PLP is always painted by the OBA as being negative, but this opinion column is horribly negative and very polarizing. And it doesn’t even matter if it is factually correct or not. Lots of things are factually correct, but it doesn’t mean they need to be said in such a hostile and polarizing manner. Toni Daniels has really shown her colors on this one. Very disappointing.
You took offense when Bob said money doesn’t grow on trees and we’re going to be even more broke soon unless something changes , too I bet .
I bet you believe Christopher Famous’ opinion pieces to be positive and uniting
Sorry, that was intended for “watching”
and ALLL the PLP have shown their true colours when posting articles such as this for YEARSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! Where were you saying this then? Guess not…
As you stated in the most recent Famous opinion article:
watching:
“Well said famous.
Let the haters hate…it means you are scoring goals!”
Truth hurts huh?
Still calling Bermudians Blind Supporters are we?
Anyone that votes for Jamahl would have to be blind…and deaf
I pity the voters, especially the PLP. Their most recent MP was voted in then left to be an Independent. The current candidate can’t decide where his beliefs and allegiance lie, apart from his own personal needs. Maybe the PLP should run a dog because at least a dog remains faithful.
No, Bermudians voted for the OBA.
Yes Chris that is what is being said!
Your past articles state mis truths which are designed to inflame.
Claiming 6,000 plus foreigners being given status via PRC is a downright falsehood. The only reason you state such is to rile up the Grass Roots into disharmony. Didnt you just get an award from a magazine for being the voice of reason and honest commentary?
As an OBA voter this is extremely disappointing. I really hope that the OBA will return to the issues and talk about how we are going to fix this
economy instead of engaging in these schoolyard tactics.
Michael Dunkley you should be ashamed of yourself. Please reign in your party as right now it looks like you are trying to out PLP the PLP with nastiness!
They are protecting the people.
Oba voter….yeah right!
They don’t care about the issues.
It will always be
whites vs blacks,
blacks vs blacks on behalf of whites
and rich vs poor!
Bermuda is the next Ferguson.
“As an OBA supporter”.
Riiight.
I think Toni Daniels wrote what many people think.
If a new party came along and was favored to win the Government, I am sure Mr. Simmons would consider jumping ship again.
But to be fair, he is not the first…. and will not be the last person to seek political office for personal gain. The main difference with him… is that this is so obvious and blatant…whereas in other folks, it is more subtle.
I am quite sure this opinion is not exclusive to the OBA as many PLP folks think the same.
Interesting article – it is extremely personal indeed and will only serve to light the touch paper. Jamahl is a king of spin and he will use this to bite the OBA.
I can only imagine the uproar if the he or the PLP put something similar out about Mrs Marshall …..
I agree that this kind of personal attack is a real low in politics…
How is this low? Can you dispute what she said? This article may not be fluffy and positive, but is not totally off base either.
This was all public information, in the public domain. There is nothing nasty about it. It’s reasonable. Toni didn’t say the things, Jamahl did.
It’s just a review of Jamahl’s history. These are facts the electorate should know about. Of course, we can all understand why the PLP wouldn’t want people to be reminded about Simmon’s past. But they deserve to know the truth about him. The PLP will never tell you this stuff.
Toni daniels you will never make it as a politician.
Why? Because she is expressing a common sentiment? Both parties have said far worse before. Heck, PLP linked voting for the UBP to going back to being slaves on the plantation. Was this acceptable?
Look at Mr. Simmon’s past…particularly his recent transgressions. He is not exactly immune to criticism.
I think she just did.
Why? Because she tells the truth in plain language? An unknown tactic for the PLP I guess.
Did you read what Mr Simmons tweeted??
That was horrendous and should be the closing chapter in this man’s disingenuous bid for power and position representing our society.
Read the political debate in all other countries, this is simply fair comment! Get a thicker skin because they have already destroyed this economy and put us in serious debt, unemployment and ongoing insecurity for decades to come. we do not need this hate filled would be politician getting anywhere near the seat of power!
Here’s a bit of food for thought for today:
“There are two possible outcomes: If the result confirms the hypothesis, then you’ve made a measurement. If the result is contrary to the hypothesis, then you’ve made a discovery.” -Enrico Fermi, physicist and Nobel laureate (1901-1954)
Amen! Got no time for that guy.
Very good summation Ms. Daniels. Once again facts and reality have an anti-PLP bias; but that won’t stop their pundits from attempting to deflect the voters’ attention away from his abysmal political history driven by self-interest rather than selfless acts.
This will be undoubtedly turn out to be another example of someone running away (if he can) from his record rather than running on it.
I don’t recall ever reading an opinion column solely dedicated to personally attacking a political candidate in an upcoming election. Indeed, imagine if a PLP spokesperson did something similar about Mrs. Marshall and the fallout that would happen? This article had a presumptuous tone viewing the constituents of #33 as being nitwits who needed this nasty rhetoric as a nudge to influence their voting. Is Mrs. Marshall also supporting Ms. Daniels who is the OBA Communications Chair and saying the same thing on the doorsteps while canvassing I wonder or will she have the guts to refute this article openly? I hope the people of #33 challenge her on this because from this article, they are not being trusted to think for themselves but to vote negatively instead of focusing on the real issues at hand. Reminds me of the target cross hairs ad printed by UBP supporters with the face of Delaey Robinson’s picture in the 1998 election. Nasty stuff.
Just a matter of time…please stop all your feigned indignation. The PLP invented dirty politics and were even in the media yesterday with more of their nonsense about shenanigens….and let us not forget Jamahls mentor calling for an over throw of our democratically elected government. ….BTW..your name ” just a matter of time” is a dead giveaway
“imagine if a PLP spokesperson did something similar about Mrs. Marshall and the fallout that would happen”
How is reminding voters of the FACTS a bad thing? Im sure Ms Marshall would have no problem if the PLP published a recap of her professional care as an accomplished lawyer and highly respected employer of many Bermudians.
Please remind us Jamahl’s professional strengths and qualifications and the numerous job opportunities he has created for fellow Bermudians again? Shouldn’t take but a minute.
and just how will the voters in a constituency that the candidate has little connection, know all about his RECORD?
All of a sudden it is unfair to provide the candidate’s resume??
If it is not true, refute it.
The only thing I see that is ‘NASTY’ is the various threatening tweets this candidate publicly tweeted. You support his statements do you?
She didn’t say anything that wasn’t true.
Thank you at Ronald. WHAT PART WAS UNTRUE?
OBA is continuing with their character assassination… instead of bring policies to the table that will move Bermuda forward… this attack just makes people circle the wagon more.. and become even more less open to accept the renamed UBP..
Hey Rhonda wheres all your indignation when the shoes on the other foot. which is like 99% of the time. Thanks for my laugh of the day
If you think reminding voters of the facts is akin to character assassination it says more about your propensity for myopia and blind allegiance than anything OBA related.
I agree Rhonda this election should be fought based upon the serious issues facing Bermuda and not the weakest approach of character assassination. Weak and gutter political style of the OBA, not sure I can continue to lean in their direction. Saddened that folks support such a bad approach and fail to hold them accountable.
So a quick review of Jamahl’s history is a “character assassination”. Seems like he did this to himself. Twitter boy should have made wiser choices.
when you last circled the wagon, you left this country with $800 million unaccounted for, $1,500,000,000 in debt and the worst unemployment shootings and ongoing insecurity in history.
Take the shame.
Well, you really don’t have to be a monster to dehumanise someone. You just have to be, well…, ordinary.
Cordell, why didn’t Curb comment on the violent racist attack against a Phillipino earlier this week, and the inadequate jail sentence?
So Ms Daniels basically has spelt out a timeline of Mr Simmons’ party maneuvering (which is considerable). This is all public knowledge. Hardly a secret. I think this is information worth repeating for the benefit of the people who he is supposed to represent. This opinion piece is a product of the OBA party, but I would bet there are quite a few people out there, even in the PLP that hold these views or something similar. There are several worthy candidates in the PLP that could (should?) have been chosen.
As for Mr Simmons, he has no one else to blame but himself for his own ‘history’.
I have nothing for this lady for this article.
Ms. Toni Daniels it’s people like you that join parties and make the rest of the party look bad. That was a personal attack. The OBA is trying to bring people together. Right now you’re making the OBA look like the old PLP.
This type of talk divides us even more. It’s so much tension in the air around Bermuda you could cut it with a knife. The only thing that you have displayed is that you’re one nasty unhappy woman. I can see now why they choose Mrs. Marshal over you. Good luck to both candidates.
The voters should know the background of the candidates, and the PLP will never tell you about Jamahl.
Toni Daniels has written some terrible pieces and she appears to be a follower. She has offered nothing in terms of ideas to carry us forward but she fires as if she has offered all of the solutions. OBA put your heads down connect with the people and just do what you promised to do by creating income for families and leave this pettiness to the wayside. This type of rhetoric falls on the Premier’s head and I agree that he should be embarrassed.
As a young voter who has no ties to any party I am so annoyed by this article and many others like it. I get that people think politics is about making sure you look better than the other party but come on. The solution to our island’s problem isn’t tearing down other people to look good. How about just doing what is best for the island and allowing people to see who is genuine, hardworking and most capable of taking our island forward?
On a more personal note to Toni, woman to woman I feel the idea of this article is distasteful. If you are willing to take the time to put these words together in an attempt to highlight the flaws of a men’s character I wonder what that says about you.
I wish I could hit “Like” on this comment like 100 times. I couldn’t agree more.
Yes, very distasteful. Reminding people of facts. Highlighting the flaws in character of someone running for public office. What is the world coming to. These things should be hidden and never disclosed, the way the PLP like to do things.
Enquiring minds need to know…thank you toni for the history lesson. Unpleasant doesnt mean untrue.
This opinion piece was obviously sanctioned by the OBA and the Premier and yet it wholly contradicts their promise to conduct politics differently. The pressing theme that cannot be ignored is that the OBA government too often present a contradictory message of saying one thing and doing another while blaming the PLP wherever possible rather than getting on with the challenging tasks at hand in a socially conscious and holistic manner as possible. Having said that, Georgia and Jamahl have offered themselves to serve constituency 33. Let their approach on the doorstep and their words and actions post election define them.
Why not let their past political actions and choices (in Jamahl’s case summarized above) similarly define them?
What part of Ms. Daniels’ comments are inaccurate?
Marc…so dirty politics is only acceptable if done by the PLP…unfortunately Jamahl’s political history and dangerous tweets made the bed he now has to lie in. So bascially he invented saying on thing and doing another. I would distance myself from him politically if I were you as your support of him really makes me question your political integrity
wholle=wholly
I believe Mr. Simmons’ words which he tweeted defines him quite well.
He is not fit for Parliament.
The PLP had much better choices than this divisive man.
When you say they are contradicting their promise to conduct politics differently, are you acknowledging the fact that this how the PLP conducts politics on a regular?
How do you feel about candidates who advocate shooting people, burning down Bermuda, and snapping people’s necks?
Did we not hear a particularly nasty exchange in the HOuse of Parliament by your leader against the independant Terry Lister?
How do you account for that shameful public and wholly disgraceful episode?
@marc Daniels? What? Are you serious? Really? You are the biggest farce ever! Remember the newsletter you handed out at the Devonshire Wreck that night of December 12? I wonder who sanctioned that? And what kind of politics was that? How quickly we forget!!!!
Sometimes the truth hurts!
I don’t really understand all the negative comments against Ms Daniels. All she’s done is highlight Mr. Simmons known public history. Obviously there can be nothing wrong with this, given the man didn’t think there was anything wrong with anything he did or said.
Though I must say that the last two paragraphs weren’t necessary. Everything else pretty much spoke for itself.
Poor Toni…really feel sorry for you…
Nothing stings like the truth! In my opinion this man is not fit for Parliament.
Not saying that I disagree with you, but the tone and reasoning of the argument would lead one to believe that the idea is to “Vote for my candidate because the other guy sucks!” instead of “My candidate is the best choice and here are the reason why…” . I think it’s the tone of the article that folks (PLP and OBA) had issue with, but then again it is an opinion paper and we all know about those.
“Vote for my candidate because the other guy sucks!”
Well that pretty much sums up politics in Bermuda anyway. As far as I’m concerned these politians here might have started out for the country but once in the game it seems to become what can they get out of politics as opposed to what can they do to help improve the island which we call Bermuda, our home.
LOL
But a convicted felon is fit to be an OBA Minister…. Ok I get it.
What about Commissiong?
You know very well that the PLP could run a goat in that constituency and still win. In that area they don’t care about the person, just the party. Watch
Sounds like OBA supporters to me!
Kermit the Frog could run in quite a few OBA Safe Seats and the same could be said…correct?
Well given Kermit is green isn’t he “genetically predisposed” to vote PLP?
LOL @ the PLPites displaying their faux outrage at such a low blow by Ms. Daniels.
You need to hear a lot more of this stuff. ALOT.
You support those who can dish it out but cannot take it. Gutter politics??? What were those tweets that had him resign as the PLP spokesman? You are fine with that? Yet detailing a few uncomfortable truths has you all worked up?
You make me laugh, the lot of you.
Always interesting when the PLP supporters are so sensitive when the OBA goes on the attack and yet when their own party issues press releases based on hearsay as opposed to facts and spreads out right lies about the OBA and their people, they strongly support it. Politics can be so tiresome at times.
If anything in the column isn’t true then Simmons should refute it however as I recall history, the points made are factual. Jamahl Simmons is the only one responsible for his reputation as it is now so it is what it is.
I am not an OBA supporter but if I was, I would be royally pis*ed at this article being printed so close to the election. It has been proven in the past that such negative rhetoric actually hurts the candidate being supported. People think if Ms. Marshall’s close supporters can think this way, why not the candidate herself? It can actually create doubt for her. People already know Jamahl’s political journey and maybe that’s not an issue with them. What matters is voting for someone who people trust can represent them well and boldly in the House and not be muted, silenced and give no voice as several of these OBA back benchers do. Now they may have to back track and do damage control from this article rather than focusing on the issues of the day. Such a dumb move. And her article was loaded with suppositions and not wholly accurate as some have claimed here. What’s really flawed here was this article. Smh.
Toni this was disappointing!
You just gave us more reason to vote for Jahmal even if it is to spite the sellout, black OBA defenders like you.
You must have no allegence to Bermuda then?
LOL (ORIGNAIL TM*) you could not even come up with your own name for cryin out load.
I asked my OBA friends and they said they were disappointed with the piece she wrote but said it had been toned down. Lord HELP us!
Toni spoke the truth!
(case closed!)
The OBA is a flawed party, and the candidate they are running, in my opinion and of those that know her and what she stands for, will tell you that she is not what Bermuda needs. Ever!
A more appropriate title for this piece would have been “J.S. A Flawed Human Being”
This guy does not know if he is coming or going!!! Just likes ALL the “limelight” by the looks of things… He could never be trusted!!
Toni’s opinion piece is fair and factual. Jamahl is a politician driven by personal ambition who delivered no results when he was an MP. He’s flip-flopped so many times how can I trust him to defend me? Who is the real Jamahl Simmons? What does he stand for? Where’s his integrity? He says he will defend Bermudians. In that case, where was he when thousands lost their jobs while he was in a position to influence policy when the PLP were in power. Good luck Georgia!!!
I may be wrong but I don’t ever recall reading an opinion column from the PLP that was so blatantly gutter and rude and attackingly personal on an individual.
With all the issues facing Bermuda right now, Ms Daniels chooses to focus on Mr. Simmons employment and political history, but not on the debt, education, cost of living, fact that the OBA has made no movement on jobs, and a host of other issues.
Very disappointed but not entirely surprised. My real question is how does Michael Dunkley feel about this? Did he authorize this release? What about the OBA Chair, Lynne Woolridge? Did she authorize this to be published from the OBA? If so, their stock has totally gone down.
GUTTER POLITICS. from the party that presumed to do things ‘A BETTER WAY’ we have them doing things worse than any government before.
Absolutely ridiculous. And a sad day.
watching…where have you been. You’ve obviously never read or heard anything by Famouss, Zane, Commissiong or that the former premiere saying there should be an over throw of government. It’s Halloween so talk off your mask as show us your PLP face
I was gonna say that to he/she/them must be watching politics in another country or universe or something.
LOL
I think the whole point is politically he cannot be trusted, and he hasn’t really accomplished anything. Nothing. And when he fails it’s everyone’s fault but his own. What does he add to the Opposition that makes him a good fit?
The immediate issue facing #33 is who should represent them in the house, so why not remind the voters of this man’s track record. Don’t pretend that the PLP have never brought up a politicians past. It’s all they do – just look at the constant reference to teh UBP.
So…this is the kind of rhetoric that the OBA chiefs are allowing their members to print? And, Mr. Premier, don’t even try to pretend that you were unaware of what Ms. Daniels was writing…because if your answer is that you didn’t know…then once again, we have to question your leadership! And, Ms. Daniels, recognize when you are being used…does he word ‘surrogate’ sound familiar!
Keep moving forward Mr. Simmons, you’re running a positive campaign…
so how do you feel about the PLP MPs writing in international juristictions bad mouthing the Government and Bermuda? Just woundering cause realy most of the PLPers on this blog anyway seem to be very hypicritical.
LOL just saying. oh and for those that don’t believe the PLP don’t write similar stuff as what they are accussing Ms. Daniels of above maybe you should do some research for your self on past election rallies of the PLP and their blog. Unless your ok with racist banter and mussing.
If your so great why don’t you use your real name…geesh
Was that a come back or something. real name …. like abracadabra gotcha……………………
LOL and by the way people in the PLP know who I am ask them.
All this indignation from the PLP is thoroughly enjoyable and predictable. The keep throwing political punches below the belt and when someone swings back with nothing more than facts……..it’s drama queen style indignation. How dare they?????etc. Thanks for the laugh and your predictability
This is such a desperate attempt to win favor in Constituency 33! Sad for you OBA, you had a chance but your style of leading the country is akin to a child trying to learn how to ride a bicycle with one training wheel! You have had more marches against your policies in such a short span of time than any other government. I fear that the OBA have no clear plan to effect change and therefore subject the people of Bermuda to this nonsense! If you had a good track record that would speak for itself but sadly you don’t. One thing I would say is that I would choose a man who is very hungry than a busy woman!
I don’t know what is right or wrong in Bermuda politics anymore.
I’m sure the majority of people know that Georgia Marshall is the superior candidate in this race and I know for a fact that some PLP folks know that too. Toni Daniels has simply stated Jamahl’s track record and it’s not pretty. He is an opportunist and not a very good PR person for himself.
I am far from a PLP supporter in its current state but this “opinion” piece is just the thing that will get Jamahl into the House of Assembly in November. This should have been an opportunity to display the great qualities of Mrs. Marshall.
The latest comment of OBA member Toni Daniels is right out the Republican party’s dirty tricks political play book; which is to used when they want to run away from their own record. And this anti-Bermudian OBA government has much to flee from in the number of anti-Bermudian policies they have put in place.
No doubt they do not welcome this early test of their term of government and since they can no longer advance false promises and put forward the big lie what else is to do; but to mount personal attack your political opponent. They are not in position to defend their record because it has been so dismal when it comes to Bermudian interests. I doubt that even their current political candidate can speak to Bermudian interests accept to chip away at the mundane; a far cry from the anti-Bermudian reality that Bermudians are facing with respect to their country; hence the attempted hatched job on the PLP candidate Jamahl Simmons by the likes of Toni Daniels in a doom attempt to prevent one more voice sitting in parliament which will defend Bermudian interests.
She’s just ensuring Simmons doesn’t run away from his own record, Alvin.
Tony Daniels and the OBA should be ashamed of this piece. She basically collected all the negative banter from her fellow party members who would never utter a positive word about a PLP member and would twist any story to fit their agenda, and wrote this worthless piece of rhetoric.
It is so sad how the OBA use her and even sadder how she allows herself to be used.
What exactly in this piece is twisted? Why don’t you pick out one single assertion in this article and dispute it. With facts.
You will not, because you cannot. Not one comment so far has disputed the actual points raised here.
It’s a review of facts Makai. Unfamiliar to you, I guess.
Repeat after me. This is not banter. Jamahl Simmons said these things. This is not banter. Jamahl Simmons said these things. He needs to explain them.
It’s interesting how the PLP diehards are going after Tony Daniels instead of defending Jamahl. Not ONE person on any of these posts defends him….instead they are shooting the messenger. That says it all. Our former opposition premier seems to have lost his position as the most despised person in Bermuda to the new PLP #33 candidate
The piece has to be attacked because she is the author of it….I guess but then again based on what we hear it might have been.
Toni , what is the reason behind this cowardly attack on Jamahl Simmons ? Is it because maybe he is representative of your depiction of a REAL BERMUDIAN !? Wow imagine what you would say about him if he was convicted of a criminal offense !!
It’s a good thing that he’s never stolen anything from the Parliment House building .
Or robbed a bank with a fire arm…
Interesting.
Toni Daniels put her real name on the piece. Like you did on your comment, Coffee. Oh, wait, you didn’t.
Toni has provided facts, not opinions or insinuations. Like you have, Coffee. Oh, wait, you didn’t.
Toni has pointed out things that Mr. Simmons has actually said. As you have, Coffee. Oh, wait, you haven’t.
Who’s presenting facts to voters, and who’s trying to influence them with insinuation and unsupported assertions?
Who’s cowardly, Coffee?
EW
Ms Daniels has done us a service. The past fades from memory so quickly. We need to be reminded of just how superficial and immature this person is.
And you have to admit, the OBA have been very clever.
With a few strokes of the pen, they have turned this election from anybody’s game into one that is focused on bad things in Jamahl Simmons’ past.
The OBA didn’t do that. Jamahl spent the last 20 years creating his own history.
The PLP picked a bad candidate. Blame your leadership.
I read the article and in light of a pending bi-election its the type of article that a party will tend to put out…It would have been far better to have tackled Jamahl on issues and his personal stances then on his perceived motivations, but we are not as forensic with our politics. Hopefully the PLP take a better approach and the debate doesn’t descend. I read the blogs before reading the article and I come away not as enraged as some bloggers, just bemused that anyone would think that people will get swayed by those comments.
But the point is that Jamahl changes his mind on the “issues” every time it suits his personal ambitions. What is the point of seeking his political view on something? He has no conviction. He has no desire to serve the electorate. He just has personal greed and ambition.
I’m not surprised at Toni Daniels opinion piece, however her attacks against Jamal Simmons is just another indication of how backwards the OBA/UBP politics is. Obviously she appears not to have any positive comments about their own candidate, Ms. Marshall, if she did one would think that she would be trying to promote the OBA, rather than wasting her time and comments on attacking the PLP. Jamal Simmons is not the only person who has switched parties,
What about Gwen Rawlings, Wayne Furbert, Kim Swann, Maxwell Burgess, and many others who left the UBP. I know she may be new to politics in Bermuda, but she really needs to study the history of politics. In my view, if she was an honest person who really cared Bermudians, she would question Jet Gate, lies about the gaming referendum , termination of the work permit policy, and the fact that Thad Hollis resigned.
Ms. Daniels, you seems to take most Bermudians for fools, the people of this country has not forgotten about all of the promises that your party made to the voters, and has broken all of them. So I will say to you again learn your history, before you start to attack.
Talking of Bermudians shirley, what is your opinion of foreigners who come here, stay, and legally obtain status? They are just as Bermudian as you are, aren’t they shirley?
We want to know where our unaccounted 800 million dollars went amongst other issues.
Jet gate ,referendums,Wp policies ect cost us nothing.
Got an answer?
the plp crippled the island beyond epic…and anyone associate with them means TROUBLE..plain as day to see…
Thanks OBA.
I responded to Chris Famous earlier in the OBA forum, where he can not post. He correctly pointed it his out to me.
So, I repost here –
______________________
I am happy to hear with Toni Daniels has to say. I have interacted with Jamahl Simmons in these forums and privately, and have some respect for his positions and abilities. That Toni has pointed out Jamahl’s political history is of value. We all have our foibles and history, and it looks like Toni wants Jamahl’s history of political direction (or lack) known. It’s true – we all are young at some point – and we all form opinions over time.
However, to counter the recounting of Jamahl’s history by implying that Toni Daniels is not making valid points because of who she is flies in the face of the facts Chris Famouss.
I know you are all about facts.
How much of what Toni has said is true? And how much is conclusion drawn from her perspective on fact? It IS fair to counter any conclusion she draws with argument or denial. And, I think it’s fair to draw different conclusions from the facts she lays out.
What are the facts?
Simply attacking Toni’s credibility isn’t good politics. Fair game to attack her opinion, but not so to attack her facts – unless they aren’t facts.
________________________________
Again, I restate, my comment is about fact, conclusion and opinion drawn from facts. That someone recounts facts – if they are accurate – shouldn’t be for argument. Conclusions and opinions are debatable points. Apologies Chris. You’re right. Unfair to post where you can’t respond.
Ian most of the OBA MPs have been in 2 or 3 parties themselves
So kindly let us know what is the difference between them and Jamahl besides the fact he is in the PLP?
You keep saying the OBA is really the UBP so that would make it the same party. That is the difference. Jamahl has been in everywhere. Add to that the tweets.
The 18th will be very interesting because if Jamahl gets voted in, it means integrity is fairly unimportant to PLP voters.
Personally I wouldn’t vote for anyone who crossed party lines in either direction. And did I mention the tweets?
I know Jamahl and he’s a pleasant guy – don’t know the Marshall lady. Just glad I don’t live in #33 so I don’t have to choose.
PLP and their supporters Just can’t handle the “Truth” never could never will.
It upsets them so much that they lost the last election and that the OBA are doing a much better job running this country then when they did in their 14 year term.
Still refuse to accept (THE TRUTH) that the PLP administration is responsible for the country’s national debt. Something that had NEVER happened before.
Truth Hurts!
“what would happen if we stopped shooting each other and started putting bullets in the heads of those who hate us and won’t hire us?” and “if you are excluded from society what do you care if society burns … it might even be fun to watch it burn”.
Mr Simmons said: “I wasn’t advocating shooting people in the head or burning down businesses.”
Seems pretty clear to me.
Jamahl Simmons can keep trying to spin this, but the reality is that he said it and it raises serious questions about his judgment. This matters when he is seeking public office and the potential of being in a position of responsibility one day. Does he have the maturity to do the job? The initial tweets and the way in which he has tried to diminish them says no.