Hurst short-circuits Nikki Phoenix and tries to dictate how reporter should ask questions at post-Cabinet press briefing

Government spokesperson Lionel “Max ” Hurst and reporter Nikki
Phoenix were involved in another confrontation during this week’s
post-Cabinet press briefing, and some persons are describing
Hurst’s conduct as “rude.”

The two engaged in a war of words on Thursday morning, June 15
–for the second time in a few months – as comments by Phoenix
were abruptly cut off and criticized by the Government’s
mouthpiece.

As Hurst remarked on the deplorable working conditions at the High
Court, audience members say he found a way – as is usual for him –
to implicate the United Progressive Party (UPP) Administration. 

But when Phoenix sought clarity on what the spokesman had said,
she prefaced her question with a comment. 

Hurst immediately cut her off, telling Phoenix that press conferences
are not a place for speeches – only for questions – and what she was
attempting was not allowed.

In the meantime, some critics say that Hurst should allow the media
to do its work and stop dictating how they do it.

They accuse him of trying to block the questions, and are asking
what authority prevents a reporter from prefacing a question with a
statement – especially for perspective or context.

According to one man, it appears that Hurst wishes to be the only
person to deliver long historical speeches when asked a simple
question.

Others say the Browne Administration’s spokesman is always
“spinning” the truth, and he needs to be called out on the lies he
perpetrates every week.

A woman says she used to tune in to the weekly press sessions, but
she has had to turn him off mid-briefing. 

This is the second time the two have gone head-to-head, publicly, on
a matter. Months ago, an exchange with similar heat occurred after

Phoenix sought to elicit answers about Antigua Airways and the
West African connection.

According to some residents, it appears that Hurst and the Browne
Administration want to dictate – as they do on ABS’ stations and on
Pointe FM – what questions reporters should ask and how these
questions are asked.