By Robert Andre Emmanuel
MP for St Mary’s South Kelvin “Shugy” Simon has shared insights into initiatives he recently spearheaded in his community, as well as his thoughts on the changing of the guard at the Lower House of Parliament.
For first-time MP and former school guidance counsellor Simon, who was elected in 2023, helping local youngsters prepare for the new academic year was a priority.
He said he was able to distribute 400 school bags between a number of educational institutions.
The bags came with essential supplies to include books, pencils, pens, and other items.
Partnering with a US-based group, Simon broadened his back-to-school initiative in the Bolans area, providing over $3,000 worth of free haircuts for young boys in the constituency and sponsored back-to-school hairstyles for girls.
“It’s always nice to put a smile on somebody’s face, especially to help in these hard economic times,” he said, acknowledging the financial strain many parents face when preparing for a new school year.
Beyond educational support, Simon has been active in environmental conservation efforts.
He told Observer media that he assisted in the planting of more than 30 coconut and seagrape trees at Ffryes Beach, through a collaboration with local NGO Adopt-a-Coastline and members of the National Youth Ambassador Corps.
Meanwhile, Observer also sought MP Simon’s assessment of outgoing House Speaker Sir Gerald Watt, 85, who announced his retirement from the position he had held for a decade.
“Most times, he was very partisan; it wasn’t fair,” Simon stated, criticising what he perceived as biased rulings which favoured the ruling administration.
The St Mary’s South MP recounted his conflict with Sir Gerald over his attempts to resign from Parliament in order to bring to an end a political debate over the legitimacy of his election, and described the Speaker’s initial refusal to accept his resignation as “a slap in the face for democracy”.
He welcomed the fact that the outgoing Speaker will have more time to focus on his health, saying “we all have to know when the time to quit has come,” acknowledging the physical challenges he had observed from Sir Gerald.
As for incoming Speaker Osbert Frederick, who is currently Vice President of the Senate, Simon said he would adopt a wait-and-see approach.
“I don’t have much experience with Osbert Frederick, and I am looking forward to meeting him and seeing what he brings to the table,” he said.
