January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Noel-Simmons statement for by-election
Noel-Simmons statement for by-election
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10: Former American Footballer Devrae Noel-Simmons announced his candidacy for the Warwick South Central by-election today.
Here is his statement in full:
Like many people, I had lots of ideas and opinions, but never had an interest in actively serving in politics. I was more interested at the time in experiencing life in different countries and cultures. However this attitude was dramatically reversed when I was first introduced to politics by a young, energetic and inspirational Bermudian by the name of Keith Young, (the United Bermuda Party candidate for constituency 16, Pembroke East Central), whose total commitment to his community inspired me to look closer at my own sense of worth as a Bermudian, and what I could do to help my fellow citizens.
The passion that drove me to search out more than what I thought my life could and would be has always been enforced by my mother, Relda Simmons-Wellman, my grandmother, Winifred Simmons (Oct 30th1925-June 2001), who stayed alive long enough to watch me, her first grandchild, graduate from not only Anderson Jr. College in South Carolina but also from Howard University in Washington D.C.. Despite any shortcomings that I may have, I, Devrae Noel-Simmons, realized that I could make a difference.
In the United Bermuda Party I found people from all ways of life who are committed to making Bermuda a better place for all Bermudians. In the United Bermuda party I found that I could make a difference and bring about positive change for Bermuda. I am honoured to be chosen to represent the Party in this election and I look forward to meeting in their home the voters of this Constituency to discuss with them their issues and concerns.
I like many other young Bermudians have made errors in judgement I am not without fault; I was arrested on December 31st 2008 and was given a suspended sentence for possession of drugs. Thankfully that served as my personal wakeup call because since that time I have been determined to change my attitude and become a better member of society and NOT be part of the problem or end up a statistic like many young black men in Bermuda, whether educated or not. I knew then and there that I had to strive to come up with solutions to help solve the growing problems facing Bermuda.
After listening to voters in this Constituency they have a number of concerns…
Public Safety the #1 concern
The public have the right to feel safe in their own homes and neighbourhoods and we must deal with and over come gun violence.
The Public have a right to go to work for the day and know that when they return to their home it is the same as when they left it.
I understand the issues around escalating crime and social misbehaviours from both sides of the equation. I have worked as a security and event supervisor both overseas and in Bermuda for over 18years and have noticed a steady increase in violence not only in the bar and nightclub scene, but around the island in general. I have noted that the criminals appear to be getting younger and exhibit a ‘No Fear’ attitude and lack of respect for authority, family and community.
National Debt:
As responsible parents we should not allow our children’s children to start off their lives in a poverty stricken island because the present government could not control unnecessary spending. We need to reduce this debt and control government spending.
Economy:
These tough economic times we need to believe that if we come together as Bermudians not as individuals with our heads in the sand and isolated, but work as one community, we can stop the…’negative trickle down’ effect’ that effects us all. This includes sustaining our tourism industry and getting back our national Pride and respect.
Employment/ Job security:
As a small business owner of 2 businesses, I know first hand how tough these economic times have been on our country’s hard working men and women. Since 1992, I have provided many individuals with work opportunities. I believe in training my staff as this adds value to the abilities they have making them more marketable. I recognise the challenges that come with the increasing taxes and the affordability of healthcare.
Education:
We owe it to our young people to give them the best start in life and to provide them with personal value through education and social guidance. I have always tried to educate and influence the young people I come in contact with as a personal trainer, professional athlete, security supervisor and fraternity brother.
Through education we can empower our young people to become our future leaders and help to protect this beautiful island we all love so much
“To allow a child to see their potential mentally and physically is always the ultimate challenge. The raw and uncultivated talent is amazing but to be expected. The reward is getting them to see the vision that they want for themselves and they then achieving it”
Here is his statement in full:
Like many people, I had lots of ideas and opinions, but never had an interest in actively serving in politics. I was more interested at the time in experiencing life in different countries and cultures. However this attitude was dramatically reversed when I was first introduced to politics by a young, energetic and inspirational Bermudian by the name of Keith Young, (the United Bermuda Party candidate for constituency 16, Pembroke East Central), whose total commitment to his community inspired me to look closer at my own sense of worth as a Bermudian, and what I could do to help my fellow citizens.
The passion that drove me to search out more than what I thought my life could and would be has always been enforced by my mother, Relda Simmons-Wellman, my grandmother, Winifred Simmons (Oct 30th1925-June 2001), who stayed alive long enough to watch me, her first grandchild, graduate from not only Anderson Jr. College in South Carolina but also from Howard University in Washington D.C.. Despite any shortcomings that I may have, I, Devrae Noel-Simmons, realized that I could make a difference.
In the United Bermuda Party I found people from all ways of life who are committed to making Bermuda a better place for all Bermudians. In the United Bermuda party I found that I could make a difference and bring about positive change for Bermuda. I am honoured to be chosen to represent the Party in this election and I look forward to meeting in their home the voters of this Constituency to discuss with them their issues and concerns.
I like many other young Bermudians have made errors in judgement I am not without fault; I was arrested on December 31st 2008 and was given a suspended sentence for possession of drugs. Thankfully that served as my personal wakeup call because since that time I have been determined to change my attitude and become a better member of society and NOT be part of the problem or end up a statistic like many young black men in Bermuda, whether educated or not. I knew then and there that I had to strive to come up with solutions to help solve the growing problems facing Bermuda.
After listening to voters in this Constituency they have a number of concerns…
Public Safety the #1 concern
The public have the right to feel safe in their own homes and neighbourhoods and we must deal with and over come gun violence.
The Public have a right to go to work for the day and know that when they return to their home it is the same as when they left it.
I understand the issues around escalating crime and social misbehaviours from both sides of the equation. I have worked as a security and event supervisor both overseas and in Bermuda for over 18years and have noticed a steady increase in violence not only in the bar and nightclub scene, but around the island in general. I have noted that the criminals appear to be getting younger and exhibit a ‘No Fear’ attitude and lack of respect for authority, family and community.
National Debt:
As responsible parents we should not allow our children’s children to start off their lives in a poverty stricken island because the present government could not control unnecessary spending. We need to reduce this debt and control government spending.
Economy:
These tough economic times we need to believe that if we come together as Bermudians not as individuals with our heads in the sand and isolated, but work as one community, we can stop the…’negative trickle down’ effect’ that effects us all. This includes sustaining our tourism industry and getting back our national Pride and respect.
Employment/ Job security:
As a small business owner of 2 businesses, I know first hand how tough these economic times have been on our country’s hard working men and women. Since 1992, I have provided many individuals with work opportunities. I believe in training my staff as this adds value to the abilities they have making them more marketable. I recognise the challenges that come with the increasing taxes and the affordability of healthcare.
Education:
We owe it to our young people to give them the best start in life and to provide them with personal value through education and social guidance. I have always tried to educate and influence the young people I come in contact with as a personal trainer, professional athlete, security supervisor and fraternity brother.
Through education we can empower our young people to become our future leaders and help to protect this beautiful island we all love so much
“To allow a child to see their potential mentally and physically is always the ultimate challenge. The raw and uncultivated talent is amazing but to be expected. The reward is getting them to see the vision that they want for themselves and they then achieving it”
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