MP Jamahl Simmons PLP Founders Day Speech
The PLP hosted their Founders Day and Drum Major Awards Celebration yesterday [Apr 12], with the keynote speech delivered by the party’s newest MP Jamahl Simmons.
“For years the UBP/OBA told us how brilliant they were at business. How wealthy and successful they are and how they would come in and turn things around,” the Sandys South MP said.
“These economic ‘geniuses’ have made Bermudian unemployment rise, visitor arrivals drop, businesses go out of business, our roads and infrastructure crumble.
“Instead of turning our country around they have and continue, to run it into the ground.These are the facts. The facts the OBA doesn’t want you to know as they seek to blame every drop of rain that falls, every gust of wind that blows on the PLP.
Mr. Simmons continued, “To our brothers and sisters trapped in the belly of the beast. Our lost prodigal sons and daughters in the OBA…it is time for you to come home. It is time for you to stop whispering to us about how racist the OBA is and how you are mistreated and abused within their ranks.
“You know what the OBA is doing to our people. You know that you have been lied to, disrespected and marginalized. And you know that I know, what I am talking about.
“The time is drawing near when you won’t be able to come out into the fields to complain about massa and then run back to the porch when he whistles for you to do his bidding.
“It is time for you to stop whispering to us about how racist the OBA is….how you are mistreated and abused within their ranks. It’s time for you to man up and stand up for our people.
“Mr. Speaker, You have done a great service to the OBA and you have served them well, but you have done a disservice to our people. You have propped up the OBA, abandoned the PLP voters of Constituency 32 and by your actions allowed much of the wickedness they have done up and down this land, to happen.
“You have served them well,” added Mr. Simmons. “But if there is anything left within you that still believes that Bermuda must work for Bermudians. And If there is anything left within you that still believes in freedom, justice and equality. Than it is time for you to come home. It is not too late to make things right.”
Mr Simmons also mentioned a friend who moved to the UK, saying: “This was not the first person to explain to me why they had begun to feel that the only way to improve their lot in life was to pack up, leave their friends and family and move to another country.
“While some have been forced to go “on the dole,” many more are working, thriving and making a life for themselves far away from home. They haven’t left just to sponge off the system; they’ve left for a better life.
“Is this what the founders of The Bermuda Progressive Labour Party fought for? Our people reduced to second class citizens and beggars in our own land? A nation of global vagabonds with no homeland and no place to call our own?
“The fact that so many Bermudians feel like second class citizens in their own country and that so many, despite having worked hard and received their education are unable to either find good paying jobs or make ends meet, is disturbing and doesn’t bode well for the next generation of Bermudians.
“Make no mistake, our people feel this way because of the anti-Bermudian policies of the OBA. When the OBA makes it easier for companies to not hire Bermudians…it takes away our peoples’ hope and chases Bermudians away
“When the OBA’s tax policies put the greatest burden on workers and make it harder for our people to make ends meet… It takes away our people’s hope and chases Bermudians away
“I am tired of losing friends and family. I am tired of seeing my people losing hope. I am tired of what Bermuda has become,” added Mr. Simmons.
“When the book is written on this tragic and perilous time in Bermuda’s history where will your name be listed? Will your name be written and counted on the side of those who fought for truth and what was right? When we celebrate our 100th Founders Day, what will they say about the men and women who lived in the time of the One Bermuda Alliance?
“Will they say we were too weak to stand up for ourselves? Will they say we were too passive and too complacent to do what it takes to protect our people and defend our land?
“Will our children know us as the ones who sold out, rolled over and did nothing while our land and birthright were given away to any non-Bermudian with a dollar and a dream?
“When they look back at this era, let history record that we shook off the chains of passivity and apathy. Last history record that we stood up for truth, freedom, justice and Bermudians…fearless in the face of injustice.
“Now is the hour…now is the time. Let our names be counted, let our voices rise, let us be courageous.”
Mr Simmons speech follows below:
Greetings brothers and sisters
I suspect that there are some people who will not like what I have to say. As a matter of fact, at this very moment, the OBA’s legion of cyber Klansmen are licking their chops at the prospect of hiding behind their pseudonyms and tearing apart every letter of every word of every syllable of every sentence of what I have to say.
Good!
The OBA and their lackies are not supposed to like me or what I have to say. In fact if you ever hear one of them praising me, please, please, please have me thoroughly examined as there is definitely something seriously wrong with me.
Brothers and sisters, I know that times are tough, we are all busy and you could have been anywhere else but here. But you chose to come out and support the PLP and for that, I am grateful.
There are six words that I will say now that you will never hear me say in a speech again “with protocol having already been established” – if protocol has been established, than I don’t need to say it and I won’t. But I will acknowledge our Leader and his wife Simone.
In these times, with the enemy we face, we should be grateful for a leader like Marc Bean.
Imagine if we had a Leader that could be bought off with a few dollars, or a title?
Imagine where we would be if we had a Leader that could be swayed by some sweet talk and a pat on the head?
We would be in a far worse position than we are now, a far more precarious position
I don’t want a leader that is beloved by the enemies of our people
No sir!
The enemies of our people are not supposed to love our leader because if they do….then he isn’t working for us…he is working for them
I know our Leader makes some of you a lil nervous. I know he makes some of you a lil timid. I know some of you say he is a lil too honest.
When you face an enemy that lies and breaks promises without apology we need a leader that is a lil too honest.
We need a leader that is fearless
We need a leader that tells it like it is
And we have it, right now, today in Marc Bean.
Once you become the Leader of the PLP you immediately become a target. And no matter who has led us, no matter their personal integrity, character, intellect or ability they have been targeted for political annihilation. That is a matter of historical fact. From the day you assume leadership the OBA, their allies and their financial backers commit their resources to destroying your image.
The attacks on our Leaders serve two purposes; First there is the old saying “Strike the shepherd and the sheep will scatter,” but secondarily it is an attack on the very psyche of those of us who have long fought for freedom and justice in the land of our birth. If you can divide the Leader, separate them from their people and create division and dissension within the ranks, than it becomes easier for the OBA to fulfill their agenda.
This doesn’t mean we follow blindly or do not hold our Leaders accountable. It means that we must be discerning in what we accept as truth; especially when it is served up by those who do not and have never had our best interests at heart.
The attacks on our Leader’s integrity, character and even his livelihood have not been about the law. Instead it has been about distracting from the PLP’s exposure of incompetence, hypocrisy and possible corruption within the One Bermuda Alliance, our country’s government. Marc Bean has been honest, some would say too honest. But he can’t be bought off with secret bank transactions and promises of fancy titles. He can’t be intimidated or silenced. And that is exactly the type of leadership we need right now. Especially when the dubious conduct of high ranking OBA officials in the 2012 Election, JetGate, Par La Ville and in the Waterfront deal still remain unresolved.
In these times with the enemies we face we should be grateful that our Leader is supported by a Deputy of intellect, courage and vision like David Burt.
For years the UBP/OBA told us how brilliant they were at business… How wealthy and successful they are and how they would come in and turn things around
David Burt has exposed the OBA as frauds when it comes to economic expertise
These economic “geniuses” have made Bermudian unemployment rise, visitor arrivals drop, businesses go out of business, our roads and infrastructure crumble.
Instead of turning our country around they have and continue, to run it into the ground.
These are the facts. The facts the OBA doesn’t want you to know as they seek to blame every drop of rain that falls, every gust of wind that blows on the PLP.
These are the facts that David Burt has exposed.
Like our Leader, they hate him because he’s young, smarter than them, can’t be bought and because he can see right through them
Marc Bean and David Burt make the OBA quake in their boots
And they ain’t too fond of me either…
The Honorable Marcus Mosiah Garvey once said, “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origins and culture is like a tree without roots”
As a child, I used to hate when my parents and grandparents talked about the past. “That was yesterday,” I used to think. “The world has moved on,” I used to think. “It isn’t all about race,” I used to think.
Founders Day is by its very nature is about our past, but it is also about our present and our future. It is about ensuring that each of us knows our roots, embraces our heritage and gains an even greater knowledge of self.
Today, as we reflect on the group of courageous men who gathered in a garage in a land where their good names, their livelihoods, their very lives and the safety of their families were in jeopardy…we must also fill ourselves with a bit of their courage for the fight we have ahead.
- Wilfred Mose Allen,
- Hugh Ryo Richardson,
- Albert Peter Smith,
- Edward DeJean,
- Walter N.H. Robinson,
- Austin Wilson and
- Dilton C. Cann
We honor them today for their vision, their sacrifice and their courage
They didn’t sit around say, “oh well, there’s nothing we can do”
They manned up, stood up and took action
Like some of us, our founders were scared about losing their jobs and all that they had worked for
Like some of us, our founders were scared about having their names and reputations dragged through the mud
Like some of us, our founders worried about what would happen to them and to their families
But they overcame their fears and in conquering their fears, they gave us an organization that could fight for us and build a Bermuda that works for US.
The Bermuda Progressive Labour Party
Our Party wasn’t concocted in some political lab by foreign consultants
Our Party wasn’t cooked up with a recipe that called for a sprinkle of coloring, a dash of lies and a spoonful of surrogates to help the medicine go down
No sir
Our Party…The Bermuda Progressive Labour Party had a simple recipe
- Created by Bermudian chefs
- With half a cup of freedom
- A pound of Justice
- And a barrel of courage
All stirred by chefs who were not in it in it for themselves but for a future that was bigger, better and brighter for our people
You may have noticed that since December 17, 2012 some folks no longer come amongst us
You may have noticed since December 17, 2012 that some folks that used to sing Standing Strong have changed their tune
You may have noticed that since December 17, 2012 some folks who used to stand strong for Bermudians now seem to only stand for themselves and an OBA paycheck
We are starting to see who is who and what is what in this new PLP.
We are starting to separate the wheat from the chaff in this new PLP
We are starting to see who was in it for themselves and who is really in it for the liberation and salvation of our island people AND
We have drawn to us people of strength, integrity and character who are not afraid to do what needs to be done, to take our people where we need to go.
I expect the next election and the lead up to the next election to be the nastiest…dirtiest in Bermuda’s history
We stand against a wounded, tired, enemy that is out of ideas, knows that it is out of time and wants to cling to power at all costs
They will stop at nothing. So expect every manner of sleazy, filthy nasty tactics to be deployed by the UBP/OBA from now till Election Day.
We do not have the money to buy voters
We do not have the nefarious mindset to move voters from where they really live to more strategically beneficial constituencies
We do not have the wicked desire to dig up dirt and destroy reputations of fellow Bermudians
We will tell the truth
We will fight them every step of the way, we will not surrender and we will win. Count on it
We may not stoop to the level of the OBA but mark my words…we will not be turning the other cheek. If the OBA sews the wind they will reap the whirlwind. Count on that.
There is a role for each of us to play.
If your time so far has been spent complaining about what the PLP is or is not doing, you need to get off the sidelines and into the fight.
If your time so far has been spent thinking and even saying that you can do a better job than our frontline politicians, you need to get off the sidelines and into the fight.
If your time so far has been spent complaining that your ideas aren’t being listened to and your voice isn’t being heard, you need to get off the sidelines and into the fight
Submit your names as candidates, join a branch or help with a Party event.
If you don’t have the time, don’t have the freedom, don’t have the will or don’t have the courage to get into the fight and join us on the front lines, you can still help…by donating to the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party.
We aren’t perfect, but our hearts are in the right place, and we know that we want to increase opportunities for Bermudians in Bermuda.
To our brothers and sisters trapped in the belly of the beast. Our lost prodigal sons and daughters in the OBA…it is time for you to come home.
It is time for you to stop whispering to us about how racist the OBA is and how you are mistreated and abused within their ranks.
You know what the OBA is doing to our people
You know that you have been lied to, disrespected and marginalized. And you know that I KNOW, what I am talking about.
The time is drawing near when you won’t be able to come out into the fields to complain about massa and then run back to the porch when he whistles for you to do his bidding.
It is time for you to stop whispering to us about how racist the OBA is….how you are mistreated and abused within their ranks. It’s time for you to man up and stand up for our people.
Mr. Speaker…. You have done a great service to the OBA and you have served them well…but you have done a disservice to our people.
You have propped up the OBA, abandoned the PLP voters of Constituency 32 and by your actions allowed much of the wickedness they have done up and down this land, to happen.
You have served them well.
But if there is anything left within you that still believes that Bermuda must work for Bermudians
And If there is anything left within you that still believes in freedom, justice and equality
Than it is time for you to come home. It is not too late to make things right.
Each of us must stop being afraid of what they will say about us or what they will do to us and do what is right. TODAY.
There are those in the white community who see the corruption and economic incompetence of the OBA. They see the cost of OBA incompetence in the millions of dollars likely to be spent on the OBA’s dubious and possibly corrupt handling of the Waterfront contract. They see how OBA have bungled the Par La Ville deal and how they plan to give away our airport in a no bid contract
And yet they have stood silent
When Craig Cannonier was forced to resign in disgrace over JetGate you said NOTHING
When Thad Hollis resigned over the OBA JetGate coverup you said NOTHING
When the OBA broke their promise to hold a referendum on gaming you said NOTHING
When the OBA broke their promise to end term limits not only did you say NOTHING you said even LESS when that move failed to lead to more jobs for Bermudians
When the OBA tried to give the children of expats the right to compete with your children and my children for summer jobs you said NOTHING
Many of you know better but because you are virtual political hostages to One Bermuda Alliance, you feel that you have nowhere else to go and that there is nothing you can do.
There is a place for you in the PLP IF…you want it. Our door is open. Yet whether you join us or not, support us or not, we will fight on and we will win.
And when we do win, to paraphrase Jesse Jackson we will beat the OBA so bad that future Bermudians will learn say the alphabet without the letters O.B.A
To my colleagues and to those who seek to serve as Members of Parliament…those we oppose do not sleep and so we cannot sleep
Each of our candidates and potential candidates must look into our hearts and ask ourselves honestly,
Are we willing and able to do the work that needs to be done to win our seats and take back our country?
Are we willing and able to canvass regularly, build our branches, raise money and do what needs to be done to take back our country?
We cannot afford for the PLP election victory chain to be broken because of a weak link.
Our people cannot afford for us to lose the next election because we weren’t willing to do the work necessary to achieve victory.
The stakes are too high.
The role of the Opposition is twofold. To hold the government accountable and to provide an alternative to the government of the day. This role is critical and because of this important role, you need members who are courageous. Since December 17, 2012 each of our MPs and Senators have been tested and have stood strong.
Many of us, like many Bermudians are out of work or underemployed. Beyond politics, we have families and commitments to keep. Yet we soldier on, not for the pay, not for the popularity, or the prestige, but for the people.
I salute my colleagues and know that all of our challenges…all of our adversity will keep us humble, bring us closer together and make us better able to serve our people after we defeat the OBA at the next election.
It is not an easy life we have chosen. It puts a strain on our families, takes us away from our children and sees our names dragged through the mud. That’s why I am so grateful for my colleagues and why I am so grateful for my wife, Sherri. She has not only been supportive, she has also put herself on the front lines to defend our people. Everyday she is out there fighting for us and every day they are scheming on how they will silence her.
Yet as we have our own challenges, our people are facing adversity as well. Recently, I reached out on Facebook to a friend that I hadn’t seen in awhile to see how they were doing. During the course of the conversation they explained that the reason I hadn’t seen them lately is that they had moved to the UK. They said that while they weren’t happy there and missed their family, they had been able to find work and provide a better life for their children than they believed could in Bermuda.
This was not the first person to explain to me why they had begun to feel that the only way to improve their lot in life was to pack up, leave their friends and family and move to another country. While some have been forced to go “on the dole,” many more are working, thriving and making a life for themselves far away from home. They haven’t left just to sponge off the system; they’ve left for a better life.
Is this what the founders of The Bermuda Progressive Labour Party fought for?
Our people reduced to second class citizens and beggars in our own land?
A nation of global vagabonds with no homeland and no place to call our own?
The fact that so many Bermudians feel like second class citizens in their own country and that so many, despite having worked hard and received their education are unable to either find good paying jobs or make ends meet, is disturbing and doesn’t bode well for the next generation of Bermudians.
Make no mistake, our people feel this way because of the anti-Bermudian policies of the OBA.
When the OBA makes it easier for companies to not hire Bermudians…it takes away our peoples’ hope and chases Bermudians away
When the OBA’s tax policies put the greatest burden on workers and make it harder for our people to make ends meet… It takes away our people’s hope and chases Bermudians away
I am tired of losing friends and family. I am tired of seeing my people losing hope. I am tired of what Bermuda has become.
When the book is written on this tragic and perilous time in Bermuda’s history where will your name be listed?
Will your name be written and counted on the side of those who fought for truth and what was right?
When we celebrate our 100th Founders Day, what will they say about the men and women who lived in the time of the One Bermuda Alliance?
Will they say we were too weak to stand up for ourselves?
Will they say we were too passive and too complacent to do what it takes to protect our people and defend our land?
Will our children know us as the ones who sold out, rolled over and did nothing while our land and birthright were given away to any non-Bermudian with a dollar and a dream?
When they look back at this era, let history record that we shook off the chains of passivity and apathy
Last history record that we stood up for truth, freedom, justice and Bermudians…fearless in the face of injustice.
Now is the hour…now is the time. Let our names be counted, let our voices rise, let us be courageous
Thank you
The difference between the speeches at the OBA and PLP conferences is very telling and shows which ones want progress and which ones need division and hatred to justify their very existence.
Nasty, nasty, nasty is the only apt description for the above.
And this is who some want to lead our country?
The Truth is an offence but not a sin,its about time the U.B.P/oba get exposed and hearing it from someone who was used as a Surrogate and has come home.
You couldn’t spot a surrogate if/when they kicked you in the teeth. Their numbers have been growing in your own back yard for the past ten years Kunta.
You’ve clearly inhaled to much of that manure that JS and the rest of these hate filled minds have been shoveling. Bermuda deserves better
I’m disappointed and taken aback at the serious negativity of this speech. Speaks volumes of where the PLP is these days and heading.
They are quickly becoming an extremist Party. All of the moderates have been or are in the process of being ousted from their ranks and replaced with the hateful likes of the above.
See the treatment of Terry Lister, Dale Butler, Jonathan Smith and now Randy Horton as evidence. These PLP moderates have been replaced with the extremists such as Marc Bean, Rolfe Commisiong, Jahmal Simmons, Walton Brown et al.
That does not bode well for the future of Bermuda as the newbies never had any intention on building a Bermuda for all. Just read the speech above and the repetitive reference of ‘people’ and ‘enemies of our people.’
I fear for the island and her population if people with such hateful mindsets are put into power.
Very fearful especially since some actually civil unrest because of their thirst and need for power at any cost.
Scary times indeed. Hopefully common sense and decency will ultimately prevail.
“You know what the O.B.A. is doing to our people.You know that you have been lied to, disrespected and marginalized. And you know that I know, what I am talking about.”
Of course M.P. Jamahl Simmons, “we know that you know what you are talking about.” Who else in the realms of local Political History has represented every Political Party, if not you? So yes bie’, you of all, certainly do have the gift of gab
What was that saying: “dazzle em with diamonds and fill their heads with bulls–t”
It’s the Progressive Labour Party motto.
What a bunch of nonsense.
“Many of you know better but because you are virtual political hostages to One Bermuda Alliance, you feel that you have nowhere else to go and that there is nothing you can do.”
The PLP does not welcome people like me and the above reiterates and reinforces that line of thinking.
Well done.
Hahaha, thank-you Sir for the laugh of the week (and it’s only Monday). When I heard the ex-Party Spokesman (we already know how that went), newly ran MP was speaking; I knew he would not let me down. If you need someone to stir up the crowd, “here’s ya man”.
“For years the UBP/OBA told us how brilliant they were at business”, “These economic ‘geniuses’ have made Bermudian unemployment rise, visitor arrivals drop, businesses go out of business, our roads and infrastructure crumble.
Sorry, I only got that far and stopped reading. If there is just ONE person in Bermuda who believes this, than we need to up the medication and increase the capacity at MAWI.
SMDH
great speech Jamal..words of wisdom, factual information,undisputable truths..
No it just hate.
Pure and simple.
Each and everyone of his ‘facts’ are easily disputable.
If you support such rhetoric you are the enemy of Bermuda that he speaks of.
You are part of the problem.
Well are you going to dispute it if not shut up.
Im glad someone has the guts to say it, regardless if you think its hate or not.
The difference is he is verbalizing his view compared to some of you who gravitate to your own segment of society and give a fake smile but dont have the interest of the masses.
Deal with it, it will ALWAYS be this way , and its worldwide.
Having the guts to SAY something is EASY PEASY! Having the guts to speak the TRUTH, i.e. this island was BROKE PRIOR TO THE OBA GOVERNMENT, would speak volumes. Instead, there’s this guy Jamahl who speaks utter garbage. How does he sleep at night knowing he’s lying to all the people he calls, “my people”?
Sarcasm?
Jamahl Simmons is just a scorned attention-seeker. Don’t pay him any mind. I notice he has reactivated his Twitter account.
Why at your founders day would you choose to speak about the OBA? Are you that obsessed? It is clear that the PLP are borderline delusional. THis should be about their party, their heritage and the
Interestingly though, Jahmal states ‘For years the UBP/OBA told us how brilliant they were at business. How wealthy and successful they’. WHATEVER THIS MEANS?
But if you want to put it into context, both parties had a get together this week. Michael Bloomberg speak at one and Jamal Simmons speak at the other:
Michael Rubens Bloomberg (born February 14, 1942) is an American business magnate, politician, and philanthropist. He served as the 108th Mayor of New York City, holding office for three consecutive terms beginning with his first election in 2001. With a net worth of $36.5 billion, he is the 10th richest person in the United States[2] and the 13th wealthiest in the world.[2] (Wikipedia)
And then there is Jamahl Simmons, WHO?
Lmfao
This is where I questioned the whole thing. It took a search nearly three-quarters of the way into the speech before I found any indication to a Founders Day reference? This truly is sad that at such an event; this was the method chosen for delivery.
This speech was riddled with immature and hateful references i.e. “OBA’s legion of cyber Klansmen”, “The OBA and their lackies are not supposed to like me or what I have to say”, “And they ain’t too fond of me either?” By the way, whats with all the ME?
With such statements including calling the OBA “UBP/OBA”; while in fact he and others are actually “UBP/PLP” is really hypocritical.
And talking about Speakers, did he really go there?
He is blowing his own horn and will use whatever he can manipulate in order to elevate himself.
He ain’t in this for you, me or the founders, he is in this for Jahmal .
If you don’t see that after this speech then you’ll never see it.
@Bermyman because someone is a billionaire and has credentials does that make him more of a man then someone who is poor and has no social status, if that is your guide rule for a person of Principle and Dignity then your just as warped as you sound.
Not everyone thats wealthy and have social status is a good example.
As a matter of fact when he was the Mayor he legislated the Stop and Frisk policy where numerous minorities were unjustly criminalized.
The Love of $$$$$ is the Root of ALL Evil.
So when the PLP legislated Section 315F of the criminal code (which is stop and frisk Bermuda style) and the didn’t heed CURB’s call for it to be repealed, did you call them the root of all evil and racist?
Aaaw Mockingay. I think I hear violins in the distance.
Both speeches differ greatly one was a hate filled tirade and one was a logical and thought provoking. Ironically they both reflect how each party is currently carrying out their business.
The key point here is Qualified opinion. You can come from any background and have an opinion, sure! But that does not mean it carries any weight. I am sure Jahmal thinks he could be Mayor of New York!
@ Bermyman: One has to smile…
By the way, we once again are seeing, “the blind leading the blind”, with Jamahl and the Progressive Labour Party Leader resurfacing with rhetoric Where have you been bie?
now…i am sorry but……..i feel for an mp you really shouldn’t be saying these terrible things! Oba have chosen to bring a conglomerate of human race together to fix the problems the shadow (not all but some and the others are a part offit) , I really feel you should be reported to human rights commission as a result of your statements……..when you say massa…or Ubp…..you inflect insult…you cast aspersion…to incite devide……well Jamal, (Jamal means beautiful in dialect) …sadly you can’t fix stupid….mp and racist do not mix…..there are world organisations that deal with racist actions…and if you represent plp as a party…I would refer you to ADL, anti defemation league….please refer to wkiki pedia/hate groups……God does not appretiate ogly!
but can you run the island….and I don’t mean run it into the ***** ground either!
Lynne Woolridge was clearly spot on in her analysis of the PLP and their supporters.
The PLP call for collaboration wearing their Dr. Jeckal hats and yet when there is a rally of the faithful they turn into Mr. Hyde and make it clear that they don’t really want collaboration at all. How can they with all this slavery rhetoric and untruths being spewed?
The PLP chefs left a burning, smoke filled kitchen and restaurant, possibly an episode for “(OBA) Kitchen nightmares”
Oh, its okay for him to talk like that…..he’s not racist. Only a white person can be racist.
Can you imagine if that was said by ‘someone who didn’t look like him’.
I guess this comment makes me a ‘cyber clansman’?
No, it makes you that person who doesn’t look like him.
I’m good with that
You are correct, you can only be a RACIST by capitalizing on another races labor, lack of social power and influence, economic exclusion, ect by force or legal means.
Now the race that does not fit that bill and makes any sort of accusations can only be labelled as Prejudice as that race has not benefited socially or economically from the counter race.
Now class is over.
Next
Thank you Mockinjay. It’s about time that someone actually defined “racism”.
Well then, I don’t agree with him. I guess that makes me a racist. Do I get an A?
Yup an A for @$$
A racist is someone who believes one race is superior or inferior to another.
Go look it up… what you came up with is not a racist.
What you are effectively incorrectly saying is you are a racist if you eat fruit, smoke tobacco or use any product sourced from an economically underdeveloped country…. I don’t think so.
So Fool are you denying that there never was and is no Racism in Bermuda and that whites didnt believe and still believe that they are superior and blacks are inferior and also denied and exploited economically because of race.
Nice spin
Class is closed
Next
No. Discrimination, hatred or intolerance based on race, ethnic origin, national origin, beliefs, cultural differences, are all racism.
You can’t just pick and choose which little bits of racism work for you, and make excuses for the rest of it.
I guess a lot of Bermudians are racist, due to their overwhelming intolerance of people who are ‘not like them’.
Um like America with the Mexicans, UK with Africans , Canadians with Natives, Australians with Aboriginals and the list goes on.
Please explain further, as I don’t see a parallel with todays Bermuda.
Puhleeeze Jamahl. You WILL ALWAYS BE a flip flopper! You’re just part of the PLP/UBP now
Speeches like this make voting so easy.
I am white so I can’t vote for the PLP as they don’t represent me
My wife is Black so I can’t vote for the PLP as they frown upon our marriage
My wife is american so I can’t vote for the PLP as they are against foreigners in Bermuda
My children are born Bermudian so I thought i might be able to vote PLP but they are mixed so i guess half of them are not welcome in the PLP
A close friend of mine is Gay so again can’t vote PLP obviously
I work for IB so again, can’t vote PLP as they do not support my company to be here
Damit just remembered that I was in the regiment in the 90s and the PLP by action has supported the draft in the courts so can’t vote for them there.
ah my wife is black and works in the tourism industry so maybe there is a chance…oh no, sorry, she works in an industry that relays 100% on foreign money and business, so nope can’t vote PLP…
My father, born bermudian but alas not a ‘real’ bermudian in the PLP eyes had serious health issues before his passing but the party in place at the time of his passing had no interest in alternative medicine legislations… so can’t vote PLP on that one..
I passed high school biology so I know the result of zero foreign genetic material in a population the size of Bermuda so again can’t go PLP there
Being a born Bermudian, home ownership is an obvious goal, but whats that, marriage to a foreign spouse means we can’t own a property because our 15 year marriage could potentially be a marriage of convince lol – yeah no PLP vote there.
Bottom line, my wife and I love Bermuda, love positive energy and happy confident, strong people – we want our sons to be surrounded by laughter and positivity, the PLP have nothing for us, not my impression but their stated word – thanks for making it easy Jamahl.
marriage of convenience that is – lol sorry
I thought this was an event to celebrate the “founders of the PLP”?
I guess they got the name wrong as it is a UBP/OBA bashing party, nothing new. Time to move on.
This is Jamahl at his rabble rousing best …
Which isn’t very good.
Jamahl is desperately trying to find a political home, and will say almost anything to anyone who he thinks will assist him.
A quick check on his political history clearly confirms this, especially when one remembers the other political parties which he was a part of.
If another party was formed tomorrow at 6 am, he would be first in line requesting a membership form!
Assuming he is accepted, you can bet your last dime he will trash the PLP in the same manner.
Readers need look no further than the following above quote from the man himself:
“……….please, please, please have me thoroughly examined as there is definitely something seriously wrong with me…..”
Case closed.
“I expect the next election and the lead up to the next election to be the nastiest…dirtiest in Bermuda’s history”
This much, is almost a certainty, whichever side of the political spectrum you sit on.
“We stand against a wounded, tired, enemy that is out of ideas, knows that it is out of time and wants to cling to power at all costs”
On the flip side, both the PLP and the OBA are likely to feed off this statement as the next general election approaches.
@PBanks; sadly it is ALREADY started. The PLP’s comments and reactions to EVERYTHING the OBA does is proof they are NOT waiting until the last year; or even second to last year in the OBA’s term. They are FULL blown in election mode.
Unfortunately, this means nothing, or at least the minimum will get done with all the distractions. If people cannot see this is the plan, they are blind.
SMH
So he’s going to make the election dirty and nasty.
What a piece of work he is.
Piece of something…
There’s on thing that will haunt U.B.P./oba in the next election, you guessed it JET GATE.
One thing
mockingjay, why re you so angry and hateful. Explain it to us. What is your personal experience that sees you rather destroy a country and its people through hate and anarchy than have it prosper?
JS loves parties. He’s been in every one.
He’d join a search party if there was one.
He could start by sending a party out in search of his dignity… not likely to be found.
Ten of us sitting here reading the comments . We all agree most have overtones trying way to hard to bash the writer. Anyone in agreement with the writer gets bashed badly also. Seems like a setup which makes us believe there is some truth to the writers speech.
Well if you ten agree with the divisive rhetoric with violent undertones then you ten are part of Bermuda’s problem.
It was a disgusting speech
So instead of looking at what he said, you reasoned because people commented that Jahmals speech was nonsense, then what Jamahl said must be true.
Forget the content, forget what he actually said forget reasoning through arguments forget investigation.
If people don’t like it it must be true????!!!!
10 of you, and none of you could actually reason through what he said and see how wrong this man is.
SMDH
Respectfully, your assessment of the content and validity of the writer’s speech should be based on…well…the writer’s speech.
Do you have any reflection on that?
Ten of you are sitting around discussing this?
Which civil service dept are you in?
He gets bashed because of his history of saying and doing outlandish things and this speech is no different.
Bermuda needs to be governed by mature policymakers and statesmen who can make pragmatic decisions. Simmons’ brand of empty spin does nothing for this island.
Interesting how Mr. Simmons’ speech is accused of being divisive and hate filled yet that’s exactly the reaction of most of the comments here towards him. This sentiment is always viewed as a barometer for me. The more the truth is spoken about what the OBA are really doing in selling out our island away from Bermudians, the more the venom comes out from their supporters to support such. Why not answer his questions instead? No bid contract for the airport? 0$ accountability to date for the AC35? Immigration policies still favouring the foreigner? Bermudians having a hard time finding a job vs a non Bermudian. Bermudians unable to afford to live in their own country. The list goes on and on and on…
Bermyman compares Michael Bloomberg, an ultra wealthy, priviledged, white NON Bermudian favourably as a speaker at an OBA event over a son of our own soil speaking at the PLP function. If this isn’t definitely a microcosm of the OBA thought and agenda which is exactly what Mr. Simmons is trying to convey, I don’t know what is.
So you are one of the 10 …
what did his self promoting hate speech have to do with respeting the founders ?
Sorry, “Just a matter of time is not a part of the group of ten here with me reading the comments. Stop the assumptions please.
what in the speech did you find to be factual ?
Stop the assumptions is it??? ….really…didn’t you and 9 others ASSUME there must be truth in the speech.
Live by your own advice and read the speech, it is hatred, divisive, full of inaccuracies and Jahmal promoting himself.
When people call out U.B.P/oba its like spraying Baygon, they all scatter on comments.
I’m not OBA, I’m Bermudian. I am for Bermuda…You dont have to be OBA if you disagree with PLP folks actions and words.
OBA/UBP PAID bloggers out in numbers! Fool me once shame on you,fool me twice…SORRY IT WONT HAPPEN AGAIN!
So, is it back to the green party for you? If you think it is bad now, just wait till all the money leaves and any development grinds to a halt. Then what? The green party have lost any confidence they might have had from business here and abroad. Without that confidence we can go nowhere. How do you expect them to help you and Bermuda at all out of this mess that the OBA inherited 2 years ago? Their track record speaks volumes about the lack of business savvy and total lack of responsibility holding the island’s purse strings. Be careful what you wish for.
Same thing that was said pre-1998 and saw an increase in IB
Boogie man is coming
That was as a result of catastrophic loss events and the legal and regulatory framework already in place. It was nothing to do with the PLP.
Please explain ?
Also what does this have to do with the speech.
I’m not a paid blogger.
No you just do it for free.
…but you are paid…who pays you Mockinjay?
There is no consistency or detail to the array of messages delivered by various PLP messengers. Lynne Woolridge and the Premier correctly observed this. The party either doesn’t know what to do, don’t care so long as they are returned to power, or both. But this matters not. Balance the budget and create jobs for Bermudians…get re-elected. Fail to show significant progress…PLP returns to power. 5 years is precious little time to accomplish this given where we were left. The PLP knows it and their approach as opposition is predicated on it.
@ Just a Matter of time: How does our economy work? Where does our currency get it’s value? And what part does a person of Credentials such a Michael Bloomberg have to play in all of that? A well respected, high achieving individual obviously backs one party that has credentials over another which stands on the platform of race and emotion.
Bermuda is $2bn in debt. THE PLP SOLD US OUT A LONG TIME AGO TO FOREIGN CREDITORS! We have to continually borrow money to support the payment of BIU/PLP/CIVIL Service wages. That means that every man woman and child has had their futures sold away to keep certain PLP supporters employed.
The Bermudians that have been hurt the most are those in the private sector, the ones whose tax dollars have counted the most towards the PLP financial hole.
Do not try and paint some picture that our Island is being sold away or an army of foreigners is taking jobs. That is a blind lie. Economic contraction occurred, 5,000 foreigners left our shores. That spending power has hurt us as it is no longer here in the form of tax or economic activity. Yet you and your PLP/BIU simpleton mentality think money falls from the heavens like manna.
Name one project the PLP tendered that did not experience significant cost overruns and the squandering of public money!? Your party took away our economic futures.
When the Airport is built and Bermudians have jobs and it does not cost us $250 m we don’t have, will you still be crying?
When the AC 2017 happens and the Island is flooded with tourists, jobs and investment. We you still be doing your hardest to sabotage it won’t you.
Currently my tax dollars go towards hooky playing bus drivers who deliberately call in sick to take more money from the public purse. This is the PLP/BIU mentality and that is why the country is not recovering.
What about when the PLP has ultra-wealthy privileged capitalist non-Bermudians from overseas speaking at its functions? Do you complain about those people not being a son of our own soil? Or is that “different” somehow?
The difference is those people speak on and support the interest of the masses and average working Bermudian.
Son of the soil was speaking divisiveness. If YOU don’t get it, then poor you! Michael Bloomberg spoke VERY highly of ALL Bermudians! There was NO divisiveness in HIS speech. The Michael Bloombergs of this world are the very same people who create jobs!!! Get it yet?
for a nomination to student government at a primary school.
Bermuda is confronted with real world external issues–when Her Majesty’s Opposition can look beyond its own platform and internal self centered philososphy and relate its objectves to the global challenges that confron this country–it will be at that point that we should give them serious consideration as a viable party–until then…..keep spinning…..
Well said.
We have real issues and real policy problems that the PLP just don’t seem to know what to do about.
They have a platform? Could they detail it for Bermudians?
What do you own Jahmahl, what skin do you “bys” have in the game? You can’t desire to govern with the intent of giving away taxpayers money – it is unsustainable.
You had a turn and you blew it. It’s going to be awhile before you get another turn. Please work on a better plan because there must be a vialble alternative in every country.
Quo Fata Ferunt
Unfortunately the P.L.P. are still using that “same-ole-stuff” that the infamous Dr. “B” used, (whether it be relevant or not)just instill hate!
Combined that with the inability for some to understand, e.g. them suffering from political blindness, illiteracy and we will have a very, very serious problem/s facing all Bermudians.
What on Earth is this guy talking about?? Klansmen???? What a dreamer.
As insensitive as it may sound, Jamahl, you love living in the 1950s just to push your one-dimensional narrative along.
It’s too bad his head is where the sun don’t shine
Different era same ideology, just like in U.S.
It’s you that is wearing the hood and cloak.
He is trying to so hard to be like his mentor, Dr Brown. Unfortunately for JS, he has neither the charisma nor intelligence and just looks like a sad fool.
Are you implying that EB had ‘genuine charisma’ ?
He does have charisma, that’s for sure. Genuine? Not so much.
Unfortunately, JS has to reduce it to ‘Klansmen’ type comments because he has no real argument to make. neither does anyone in the PLP. Pathetic though it might be – it is his only real option.
JS has to make it in the PLP bacuse there are no more parties to join. He’s been in them all.
So it is the last chance saloon for this guy.
COH perhaps?
Randy’s caught between a rock and a …. Rock ! Shame on you Jamahl For exposing the fact that the Speaker loves silver !
Cyber klansmen, son of the soil …bunch of hate speech but nothing surprising from the PLP…useless with no real concern for the problems that they caused
rest assured I didn’t waste much time more than gleaning over what we all have become used to from the purveyors of hate and divisiveness. These anal rants grow thin and besides the hot air created during its discourse there is little if any value to anyone regardless of political affiliation. How long must we be subjected to such utter garbage? The only saving grace is knowing that what took place was a classic example of preaching to the converted and we all should take heart in knowing that people of this ilk are in the minority. To be honest they don’t even represent any of the values the PLP was founded under regardless of their standing in the party.
Bermuda deserves better and all those right thinking Bermudians know that too what is needed is for those who have historically supported this party need to face the reality that this party is the reason they are unemployed under employed and facing mortgages being pulled and all manner of hardship. It is evident the PLP is only seeking power for whatever trappings can be gleaned from being in power they have little care or concern for Mr and Mrs Bermuda even those who would put them in power.
Wake up Bermuda we cannot afford to see people of this nature running the country they do not even display the qualities that have endeared Bermuda and its people to all who have come to know and love our country. They need to be routed out.
God save Bermuda from these people!!!!
Simply put what a load of poo poo
Thanks for ripping the mask off of the UBP/OBA ! A real motley crew of untrustworthy rascals they are .
Prejudices are what fools use for reason.
Voltaire
Jamal Simmons is not smart nor visionary and needs to grow up. The gift of the gab doesn’t make you credible. Disgusted with you totally! Go away.
Watch out…. Marc Bean will have to step aside at the next election
David Burt will run as Leader
Jamahl is priming and setting himself up to be the deputy
Watch and see.
He’s lost the plot. I’m sorry to see the PLP reduced to this level. I don’t agree with the PLP but they don’t deserve the kind of drivel being spouted by this guy. On the bright side, this will be a HUGE help to the OBA, as this will turn off the majority of Bermudians.
Damn, the PLP is one nasty organization.
The politics of animosity. It’s what you get when a certain group of people, accustomed to graft and corruption, got their snouts rudely yanked from the taxpayer’s feeding trough by an electorate who had/has grown increasingly disgusted with them.
With this kind of rhetoric, the PLP is conceding the middle ground to the OBA. A disgustingly divisive approach to Bermuda’s politics – but one which will drive swing voters into the arms of the OBA. I have to say that I feel sympathy for the average PLP voter when they are faced with this kind of moronic, retarded drivel.
THE OBA ARE WICKED SOURCERERS! THEY PLAN TO DRIVE THIS ISLAND INTO THE GROUND AND THE ONLY SAVIOURS WILL BE THE PLP!
Thank you for showing us how DAFT you are!
Ha Ha Ha is all I can say!