BIU Mourns The Loss of Brother Glen Simmons
[Updated] The Bermuda Industrial Union is mourning the loss of Brother Glen Simmons, a well known community activist, Union Vice President and golfer.
A spokesperson said, “The Officers and members of the Bermuda Industrial Union [BIU] are extremely saddened after learning of the passing of our beloved 1st Vice President, Brother Glen Simmons after a short illness. We offer our condolences to his family and friends.
“Brother Glen was a very active member of the BIU, serving in various capacities. Until the time of his retirement three years ago, Brother Glenn was the President of the Bus Operators and Allied Workers Division.
“Prior to holding the position of 1st Vice President of the Executive Board, he served as 2nd Vice President. Brother Glen served as a member of the BIU’s Government Negotiating Team and the Public Service Superannuation Board.
“In addition to being an active member of the BIU, Brother Glenn was an avid golfer. He was the first Black Bermudian to participate in the Eisenhower Trophy which was held at the Capilano Golf and Country Club in Vancouver, Canada.
“Recently at a fundraising golf tournament that was held for him, he told the story of Canadian golfing enthusiasts that had come to watch him play as they had never seen a Black golfer.
“Other team members were Messrs. Jack Wahl, Dr. Robert Vallis and Arthur Jones with Brendan “Bees” Ingham as the non-playing captain. Brother Glenn was instrumental in organizing the BIU’s Annual Pre-Labour Day Golf Tournament which is in its fourth year.
“While he became a golfing legend in his later years, Brother Glen was best known for his skills on the football field. He was an outstanding member of Somerset Trojan in his early years and later on he played for Vasco Da Gama.
“Brother Glen was also a PLP stalwart and a community activist. He would also be found front and centre at every protest that was organized by the People’s Campaign during the last five years or so. At every Labour Day March, Brother Glenn would serve as drum major, leading the BIU troops around the City of Hamilton.
“Brother Glen will also be remembered for his colourful attire. Some said he made a fashion statement with bright colour pants and shirts with a sweater swung around his neck.
“Brother Glen is survived by his wife, Maxine, his daughters Mahogany and Glennice, his son Maxson, his two sisters Diane Hunt and Donna Simmons, the BIU family and many other friends and family members.”
Update 11.50am: Minister of Labour, Community Affairs and Sports Lovitta Foggo said, “We in the Ministry of Labour, Community Affairs and Sports extend our deepest and sincerest condolences following the passing of Brother Glen Simmons.
“As the Bermuda Industrial Union’s First Vice President, Glen was a champion in upholding the rights of the worker. He sought to find the right balance whenever employee/employer disagreements arose. We appreciated his commitment to working in the spirit of partnership with Government in order to make Bermudians’ lives better. He was an energetic and passionate union stalwart and his dedication and advocacy will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this sad time. May he rest in peace.”
Update March 5, 12.10pm: A PLP spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Progressive Labour Party extends our deepest condolences to the family of our dear, departed member, Glen Simmons.
“Glen was a life member of the PLP and served in various capacities, including Branch Chair for Constituency 13. He was instrumental in the successful bid for the seat in Devonshire North Central by MP Diallo Rabain when he first ran in February 2016.
“There was rarely an event held by the PLP that Glen was not present, whether it was the Annual Banquet, the Annual Delegates Conference or any fundraising event. Glen was not only present at these events, he always rolled up his sleeves and assisted in any way he could.
“As a community activist, Brother Glen was always out front at numerous protests organized by various community groups including the People’s Campaign and the Bermuda Industrial Union. He could always be counted on to ensure that attendees at these protests were orderly and respectful.
“Glen will also be remembered for his skill on the football field and was a former member of Somerset Trojans football team during a time when they were known as one of Bermuda’s most outstanding football teams. He later transferred to Vasco Da Gama Club and played for them for a short time.
“A championship golfer, Brother Glen broke many barriers not only in Bermuda but internationally as well. Some remember him as one of Bermuda’s best-dressed golfer.
“The PLP is prayerful that Glen’s wife, Maxine, his daughters Mahogany and Glennice, his son Maxson, his sisters Diane Hunt and Donna Smith, and of course his BIU family will find comfort in the many fond memories that they no doubt have of their beloved husband, father, brother, comrade and friend.”
