Bermuda mourns passing of 'father of the modern labour movement' - Royal Gazette

Ottiwell Simmons (1933-2023)

Former Bermuda Industrial Union leader Ottiwell Simmons, described as “the lion of the labour movement”, has died.

Mr Simmons, president of the BIU from 1974 to 1996, was one of the iconic figures in the fight for workers’ rights, with a watershed moment for the country occurring during the island-wide general strike of 1981.

The longtime former Pembroke East MP, who formed a formidable partnership in the constituency with the late Nelson Bascome, served in the House of Assembly for the Progressive Labour Party for more than 30 years.

David Burt, the Premier, in announcing Mr Simmons’s passing a week shy of his 90th birthday, said: “No odds were too great, no cause too small and no negotiation too complex for Ottie. Today, all Bermuda mourns the father of the modern labour movement.”

He added: “Ottie’s fearless pursuit of social justice and rights for Bermuda’s workers laid the foundation for the employment protections which today we often take for granted.

“With the support of so many others, Ottiwell Simmons’s name is synonymous with transforming Bermuda into a more just and equitable society.

Ottiwell Simmons (Photograph by Akil Simmons)

“His legacy is defined by the strength of the union to which he devoted his life and the core ideals that inspired his leadership during a key period of Bermuda’s history.

“To his family and the members and friends of the Bermuda Industrial Union, sincere condolences on the passing of this lion of the labour movement.”

Rolfe Commissiong, who credits Mr Simmons and the late PLP leader L. Frederick Wade with dragging him into politics, paid tribute.

“He is certainly one man who sits upon that pantheon of those who radically changed Bermuda from a society tightly controlled by a small, entitled and privileged White oligarchy of his youth to a Bermuda that was literally yanked into the 20th century as the thrust for racial justice and democracy took root throughout the region,” Mr Commissiong said.

Ottiwell Simmons, the former president of the Bermuda Industrial Union, during the island’s epic strike of 1981 (File photograph)

“Through the 1966 Belco uprising in an effort to unionise the utility that ultimately failed but which in reality amounted to empty victory for the White-dominated business establishment, to the island-wide general strike of 1981 in an effort to ensure that Bermudian workers would get an equitable share in the form of decent wages and benefits for themselves and their families.”

Mr Commissiong added: “From 1972 to 1996 as president of the Bermuda Industrial Union, he achieved more benefits for workers then anyone else in the history of the labour movement in Bermuda — health insurance in the form of major medical and vacation pay, sick pay, bereavement leave, to name but a few.

“Dr E.F. Gordon, the key pioneer of the labour movement in Bermuda, laid the foundation for what became the BIU. But it was his worthy successor, Ottiwell Simmons, who built the house we now call the Bermuda Industrial Union.

“Through it all he stood firm with quiet assurance and steadfast leadership. Black labour trusted Ottie; they knew that he was a man of integrity. But his successes, backed in social solidarity by his members, ensured that all workers would benefit — local, foreign, Black and White.

BIU president Chris Furbert, left, with Ottiwell Simmons on the occasion of having union headquarters renamed the Ottiwell A. Simmons Building on September 2, 2019 (Photograph by Akil Simmons)

“If you want to look to someone who literally yanked Bermuda into the modern world, certainly Ottie is one of them, as was his devoted friend and fellow PLP member and MP Arthur Hodgson, who predeceased him only by months.”

Former Bermuda Industrial Union president Ottiwell Simmons

Ewart Brown, a former premier, said: “Bermuda has lost an iconic man.

“Ottie Simmons was not just a fellow politician and legendary union leader.

“He was a father whose children were gifted by their father to witness his leadership and strength against all odds.

“They observed him standing up when others around him were bending to the tune of those in power.

“Ottie was a beacon of courage who opened the doors through which we walk so casually today.”

Cole Simons, leader of the Opposition One Bermuda Alliance said: “On the eve of Bermuda's National Heroes Day, we find it deeply meaningful to honour the memory of Mr Ottiwell Simmons, whose passing leaves a void that resonates with the sentiment of the occasion.

“Fondly known as Ottie, he was not only a prominent figure in public life, but he was also a father, a grandfather, a leader, a friend, a confidante and a mentor.

“Above all, Ottiwell Simmons was a giant of a man, a son of the soil and a genuine Bermudian hero.”

He added: “For over four decades, Ottie selflessly devoted his life to advocating for the rights of Bermuda's working-class people and beyond.

“As the leader of the Bermuda Industrial Union, he brought unparalleled passion to his role.

“Whether at the bargaining table or in arbitration hearings, Ottie demonstrated unwavering determination, relentless persistence and remarkable skill.

“He fearlessly led marches, boycotts and demonstrations, emerging as a powerful force advocating for workers locally and internationally.

“He was not only a man of words but a man of action.”

Mr Simons said: “While Ottie fiercely defended the rights of Bermuda's workers, he embodied the qualities of a true gentleman.

“There was nothing thuggish about him. His strength was rooted in compassion, empathy, and respect for others.

“Today, we, the One Bermuda Alliance, extend our deepest condolences to Ottiwell Simmons's family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing and cherishing him. Bermuda owes an immeasurable debt of gratitude to this extraordinary man.

“Ottie's legacy will endure, serving as a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.”

The BIU building on Union Street was renamed the Ottiwell A. Simmons Building as part of the Labour Day festivities on September 2, 2019.

A government spokeswoman said: “In the coming days an announcement will be made regarding a book of condolence for the public to record messages of thanks and sympathy.”

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