Government Chief Whip Ottiwell Simmons will stand down from Parliament at the next general election.

A statement signed by the MP announcing his decision not to run again in Pembroke East — the constituency he has served for more than 30 years since entering the House of Assembly — was hand delivered to The Royal Gazette yesterday afternoon by a representative who asked not to be named.

Former Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU) president Mr. Simmons could not be contacted for comment last night but the statement read: “After thoughtful prayer, I have decided not to contest for a parliamentary seat at the next general election.

“I wish to thank the voters of constituency 15 who have so generously supported me in the last election.

“To my constituent committee and those who canvassed with me and to all those supporters and voters in Pembroke East, who for over the last three decades voted for me, a hearty thanks to each and every one of you!

“As one of the earliest members of the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party I want to give the party credit for bringing us the ‘people’ from many years in opposition into capturing the government of the day.”

Labour Minister Derrick Burgess, who succeeded Mr. Simmons as BIU president, paid tribute to his colleague last night. He said: “It’s actually a bit emotional because Ottiwell Simmons was my number one mentor. He’s got a lot of energy but he has been going full at it with the union and politics for a long time.

“He took his job very seriously. He has done this country a service and we owe him. Otti served Parliament longer than he served the union. He’s been there through the difficult, turbulent years in Bermuda and I think he managed it very well considering the environment at that time. I have never seen him be disrespectful. He is a really nice guy.”

Mr. Simmons, who was BIU president for 22 years before resigning in 1996, is believed to have made his decision in order to allow younger members of the PLP to enter the House.

A source close to the 73-year-old told The Royal Gazette: “The Premier is attracting an awful lot of young people into the party. I know Mr. Simmons feels that he wants to give opportunities in parliament to some of the young people who he is quite impressed with.”

The MP’s announcement comes less than a fortnight after BIU members staged a march through Hamilton sparked by a row with the Ministry of Works and Engineering. But the source said his decision was not connected to that.

Mr. Simmons’ statement said: “Some of the most important people in my adult life have been the members and officers of the Bermuda Industrial Union.

“I look to the union to hold fast to the philosophy of the early years of our beginning. I want to thank BIU members and supporters for their continuing support in my political career.

“As to the future, I am satisfied as long as we have a strong union and PLP Government the people will be well served.”

BIU president Chris Furbert said: “I think what he brought to parliament was a voice of labour, representing the people. I think he has done an excellent job. Otti put the BIU on the map internationally. The union was well represented and that reflected also in parliament when he attended on behalf of the people of the country.”

Government MP Nelson Bascome, Mr. Simmons’ constituency running mate for many years in Pembroke, said he was “taken aback” by the news.

“He and I are very close. Not only have we shared this constituency but our families are very close as well. I need to talk with him personally before I can give you any comment about his tenure.”

Mr. Simmons, chairman of the Board of Works and Engineering and former National Training Board chairman, has represented Pembroke East since 1976. Branch chairman Kim Simons could not be contacted for comment last night.