Jamahl Simmons Appointed BEDC Chairman

August 13, 2020

Minister Jamahl Simmons 2017 Bermuda generic 32r2Premier David Burt today [Aug 13] announced the appointment of MP Jamahl Snaith-Simmons as Chairman of the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation [BEDC].

Premier Burt remarked, “As we have successfully navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, we must now focus on successfully navigating the tough economic times ahead.

“As a government we have long believed that entrepreneurship is key to not only creating new opportunities for Bermudians and have worked to break down the barriers and red tape that have for many years, restricted entrepreneurship to a select, often privileged few.

“With the economic challenges ahead, we need strong leadership focused on delivering for Bermudians.”

“Today, I’m pleased to announce that MP Snaith-Simmons has agreed to assume leadership at the BEDC. He will stand down as Jr. Minister to focus on this role, and I appreciate the excellent work performed by DCI under his leadership during his time in that role and in particular during the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“MP Snaith-Simmons has previous experience with the BEDC having held responsibility for that entity during his time as Minister of Tourism and Economic Development.

“In that role he spearheaded moves to expand access to capital, develop incentives for new entrepreneurs, develop cooperative economics in Bermuda and led the creation of that agency’s Summer Student Entrepreneurship Programme that provided employment for Bermudian youth, while instilling the spirit of entrepreneurship into a new generation.

“I anticipate that under his leadership at the BEDC, we will see further innovation and progress.”

MP Snaith-Simmons said, “To address the system of inequality and expand opportunities in Bermuda, it is essential that we not only break down the institutional impediments and red tape towards entrepreneurship but we must also cultivate and encourage the spirit of entrepreneurship within Bermudians.

“The worst is yet to come, economically, but, that’s why we need the BEDC now more than ever to create jobs and opportunities for Bermudians. I gladly take on this challenge and look forward to once again working with the hardworking team at the BEDC.”

Premier Burt said, “I am grateful to Mr. Neville Grant, the outgoing chair of the BEDC and appreciate him continuing to provide his experience and expertise to the BEDC as Deputy-Chair.”

Read More About

Category: All, Business, News

Comments (20)

Trackback URL | Comments RSS Feed

  1. Unbelievable says:

    The PLP floater. Position filler. Jeez.

  2. Noah James says:

    and his CV says what about being suited to this job? does this mean the end of the ministry of propaganda now? Does this mean the ministerial payroll has actually come down?

  3. Best wishes says:

    I wish him the best as we start an uphill economic battle.

    • wahoo says:

      He is filling a gap and will be moved again as he always is. The uphill economic battle should have started a long time ago – this is not purely the result of covid.

    • Now Ya Nice says:

      I trust he will do as much for the BEDC as he did for the Casino C omission.

  4. Ringmaster says:

    Is this the best the PLP can find? Just more jobs for the boys who would be on FA if not an MP.

  5. sandgrownan says:

    Is this another grace-and-favour appointment? Hard to see what experience the former Minister of Propaganda has for this role.

    IS this really the best Burt could do?

  6. Proven says:

    Kings and their subjects!

  7. Joe Bloggs says:

    “As we have successfully navigated the COVID-19 pandemic,…”

    We have? It is over now?

    So why aren’t airplanes coming and going like they were in March? Why are the hotels still closed? Why do I still have to wear a mask?

  8. BerNews says:

    Well, they had to do something with him!

  9. watcher says:

    and so the fattening of the Simmons coffers continues. Man they are really looking after them. Friends and Family……

  10. Imjustsaying says:

    So how long is he gonna be there until he gets bored or let go.

  11. Question says:

    Where did the ‘Snaith’ come from?

  12. Wow says:

    Wow

    We certainly got what we voted for, the ONLY solution is for EVERYONE to join the PLP, join their Branches, attend PLP meetings, become DELEGATES and be the change we NEED for BERMUDA

  13. ROBERT STEWART says:

    Another make work job with a big salary for friends and family. Nothing will be produced and the taxpayers will continue to be robbed. Disgraceful.

  14. Bermewjan says:

    Bounce, bounce, bounce! Jamahl the human basketball gets bounced again. Moving on.