Hurst: Nikki Phoenix Should Ask Questions, Not Make Speeches at Press Briefings
Antigua and Barbuda’s government spokesman, Ambassador Lionel Hurst, has weighed in on the controversy surrounding ‘journalist’ Nikki Phoenix’s participation in the weekly post-Cabinet press briefings, stating that while he does not support calls to exclude her, she must adhere to the format of the event.
Speaking on Taking Stock, a radio programme on Pointe FM, Hurst observed that Phoenix appears to treat the briefings as if they were a talk show rather than a forum for government accountability.
“As you know, she has been a part of the press briefings on Thursday mornings, and she brings with her a history of appearing on Crusader Radio and Observer Radio talk shows, even to a lesser extent ZDK,” Hurst said. “And she is of the view, it seems to me, that she thinks that the press briefings are like a radio talk show. So, she wants to make statements rather than ask questions.”
Hurst also questioned Phoenix’s journalistic role, noting that other reporters use the briefings as a basis for writing news stories, while she lacks a traditional media outlet.
“She refers to herself as an investigative reporter. But, you know, all the other reporters write stories after the press conference ends… She’s the only one who doesn’t have any outlet,” he stated.
Despite his concerns, Hurst acknowledged that Phoenix’s presence has had an impact, particularly among opposition-aligned audiences, who appear to be engaged by her exchanges with government officials.
“But she stirs up the folks in the opposition, on the opposition radio and so on. And they seem to like it. And so maybe our audience widens as a consequence,” he noted.
However, he was clear that her approach needs adjustment.
“She’s become quite aggressive and is insistent upon making long statements rather than framing a question. That has been the pattern,” Hurst said. “Many are saying that we should keep her off the briefing on a Thursday morning. I’m not of that view. I think that we can continue to insist that she ask questions rather than make lengthy statements.”
Hurst suggested that Phoenix could still contribute meaningfully if she focused on presenting facts that support clear questions rather than delivering what he described as “speeches.”
The debate over Phoenix’s role at the press briefings follows similar remarks by Information Minister Melford Nicholas, who recently hinted that the format of the weekly briefings could be reviewed if they continue to be disrupted.
The government has yet to announce any changes to the press briefing structure.
