Jamahl S. Simmons, JP, MP

Biography

Mr. Jamahl Snaith Simmons is the son of former Progressive Labour Party Parliamentarian Lionel D. Simmons and "The Bermuda Cookbook" author Cecille Snaith. He grew up in Somerset, Bermuda and attended West End Primary School, later attending the Berkeley Institute and Kent's Hill School in Maine. He studied Political Science at Howard University in Washington DC and returned to Bermuda in 1997, beginning a career in broadcast journalism. In 1998 he received a Bermuda Gold Award for Bermuda's Best Sportscaster. Jamahl Simmons was elected to Parliament for the constituency of Pembroke West on February 7, 2002 in a by-election. In 2002 he received a Bermuda Gold Award for "Political Coup," after being elected as Bermuda's then youngest MP. Mr. Simmons was re-elected in the 2003 General Election with an increased majority. Jamahl Simmons did not seek re-election in the 2007 General Election and in February 2008, was appointed to serve as Chief of Staff to the then Premier of Bermuda, Dr. The Honorable Ewart F. Brown JP, MP. In February 2010, he was appointed to the post of Press Secretary to the Premier, serving in that post until the conclusion of Premier Brown's term in October 2010. On November 18, 2014, Jamahl Simmons defeated the OBA's candidate in a bye-election returning the Sandys South Seat to the PLP for the first time since 2012. Mr. Simmons is a Public Relations and Marketing professional with a wide a varied career, both in Bermuda and in the global arena, having worked in broadcasting, on several international political campaigns and as advisor to candidates, elected officials and businesses around the world. He also is a professional writer with articles published online for various entertainment websites. Jamahl Simmons is married to radio personality Sherri Johnson-Simmons and has two sons.