Minister Nicholas Responds To Calls For Malika Muffet To Be Removed From Cabinet Press Briefing
Antigua and Barbuda’s Information Minister, Melford Nicholas, has acknowledged concerns over journalist Nikki Phoenix’s conduct during the weekly post-Cabinet press briefings, stating that a review may be necessary if her approach continues to disrupt the intended purpose of the programme.
Speaking on Taking Stock, a radio show on Pointe FM, Nicholas reiterated that the press briefings are designed to provide the public with updates on government policy, not to engage in political debates.
“I have to say, to be truthful, if it is going to continue to become a distraction… the press briefing is not a political programme,” he said. “It is a debriefing so that the public can be kept up to date with the policy decisions that the government makes.”
Nicholas noted that the programme has gained a steady audience, offering insight into governmental decision-making for a broad spectrum of the population, including students, senior citizens, and business professionals. However, he suggested that Phoenix has repeatedly blurred the lines between journalism and political confrontation.
“I have certainly been told over the years by many, many people across all shades of political discourse that the programme is useful,” Nicholas said. “But if Ms. Phoenix is going to continue, despite being told that this is not a political programme… then the time may well come when it will have to be reviewed.”
The minister emphasised that any decision regarding potential changes would involve consultation with his Cabinet colleagues. He also dismissed any personal animosity toward Phoenix, stating that while some viewers may enjoy the exchanges between them, his preference is to focus on the facts and rationale behind government policies.
“I have no personal issues with Nikki Phoenix,” Nicholas said. “I’m told that people get a delight out of it when we have our fisticuffs. I would rather not have them… but if she is hell-bent on being this type of person… then we’re going to have to make a determination as to whether or not we want to keep that format on the programme.”
Nicholas’ remarks come amid growing calls for Phoenix’s removal from the briefings, with critics pointing to alleged unprofessionalism and conduct unbecoming of the forum’s purpose.
The government has yet to announce any formal decision on the matter.
Watch Nicholas here:
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Rich peoples tricks! Fear mongering, create division to divide and conquer society, whether social, political, religious, educational, developmental, infrastructural, it’s only the rich man’s tricks to control our society as we know it! Selah
will any real changes come from this?
Hmmmmm… Interesting development
Post-Cabinet briefings should focus on transparency and substance—hopefully, this review improves communication.
Can we focus on policies that actually affect citizens?
Hopefully, the review leads to better, more informative briefings for the people.
Why was she there in the first place?
At least he’s open to feedback—let’s see if any real changes happen.
Refreshing to see a minister willing to review decisions instead of doubling down.
The government needs to take these briefings more seriously.
The people who want Nikki banned are supporters of your party, hard questions are supposed to asked in order to enlighten the public, you all a just a set of jokers and want to keep ignorant. Nikki just make a decision and stay away from their nonsense
Not sure why this is even a debate. Cabinet briefings should be strictly business.
@Faiithful National 2, I think U hit the nail directly on the head. Why is democracy being taken from the people. It is ok for them to bang the opposition but when it comes to their party, U must just stay silent. Just Chupppz!!!!!
The presence of journalists at press briefings is essential for a functioning democracy. Their role in questioning the government upholds transparency, accountability, and public trust. Freedom of speech, information, and expression are enshrined in Antigua and Barbuda’s legal framework, ensuring that citizens and journalists alike can freely access and disseminate information. However, these rights must be exercised responsibly to maintain journalistic integrity and public trust.
Freedom of the press always! They should be able to answer the hard questions. We know that their faithful crew at ABS do not have the guts to ask real questions. Keep putting their feet to the fire Nikki!
Wow! Wow! Wow! Free speech and the media is under attack again. A geriatric albatros and a male beauty queen are putting down the hammer on an independent journalist whose questions hit too hard. It has been a part if the labour party’s modus operandi to stifle free speech. That was broken down with the advent of Observer Radio. This government has tried with all its might to bury Observer however with no success. Since everyone cannot be on and with Observer they are going after those who are independent and cannot be part of Observer.
Straw men cannot answer hard questions, they are only comfortable with their own kind therefore journalists such as Nikki will not be welcomed they only want those who will allow them to get away with their trickery
If according to Melford Nicholas the briefings are to update the public on government policies are you saying to me that no one should question those policies, this is dictatorship, Nikki seems to be the only journalist that is doing her job correctly. Melford and Max Hurst should just stay in their political cesspool where they belong
WHAT THE HELL…? …POSSIBLE IMPOSITION OF A BAN…? …TALK GOOD
From professional training and knowledge of ‘…PRESS BRIEFINGS,’ those conducting it shall be aware of certain fundamentals:
(i) ‘…Foremost to provide ‘…UPDATES ON PREVIOUS BRIEFINGS: as well as
(b) …Briefs on ‘…NEW PROPOSED OR NEWLY TAKEN POLICY-DECISIONS: and
***
(ii) ‘…To field ‘…QUESTIONS POSED BY REPORTERS/JOURNALISTS: and
(a) …To ‘…PROVIDE PERTINENT AND TRUTHFUL ANSWERS: that they shall be ‘…FACTUALLY, TRUTHFULLY AND CORRECTLY REPORTED TO THE CITIZENRY.’
***
STRAIGHT-JACKETED FORMAT
That from professional experience, has never been the ‘…STRAIGHT-JACKETED APPROACH.’
***
BESIDES:
It is ‘…NOT ONE-WAY COMMUNICATION’ as a ‘…PRESS STATEMENT.’
Not a darn soul could ask a ‘…PRESS STATEMENT’ one ‘…QUESTION.’
So ‘…LEADERS OF HIS MAJESTY’S LOYAL PARLIAMENNTARY OPPOSITION’ seems darn right.
***
JUST SEND ‘…PRESS STATEMENTS.’
They shall report ‘ONLY’ that which they have ‘READ’ in these ‘…STATEMENTS.’
***
NOW:
Students in ‘…POLICE/MEDIA TRAINING RELATIONS,’ were guided with the understanding
that some ‘MEDIA PERSONNEL’ will pull out the ‘…BRIEFER FROM THE CIRCLE.’
They shall know how to prudently and discretely deal with particular ‘…MEDIA PERSONNEL.’
***
ADVICE:
They were advised inter alia:
(a) ‘…Do not be fused by ‘…QUARRELLING ANGER:’–it is called ‘…FUSION:
It is bad for:
(a) ‘…OPEN COMMUNICATION:
(b) …TRUST: and
(c) …Harmonious relations. therefore,
(d) …Do not show open hostility or bias nor favoritism:
(c) …Treat every ‘…MEDIA PERSONNEL’ with respect and cordiality:
(d) …Answer ‘QUESTIONS’ politely or defer quietly and politely:
(d) …Make use of ‘…REVERSE PSYCHOLOGY: most of all
(e) …Always endeavor to win them over quietly.’
***
STRATEGISING:
(f) …First invite suspected ‘…Trouble-Making Media Personnel’ to the floor.’
(g) …If prolonging questions or statements, timely and politely say to him/her: ‘…I am recognizing ‘…JOHN BROWNE,’ who seemed to have a question or two.’
***
This requires ‘…NO DIPLOMATIC TRAINING.’
***
CAN NOW SAY WITHOUT FEAR OF CONTRADICTION OR CONSTERNATION:
WELL, ANY:
(i) ‘…PRESS BRIEFER,’ that decides to:
(ii) ‘…LIE LIKE HELL,’ will always have:
(iii) ‘…TROUBLE LIKE HELL’ with some ‘…MEDIA PERSONNEL.’
***
WHAT THE HELL…? and …LIE-NO-TELL.’
***
WALK…? …WHAT THE HELL ABOUT WALK…?
‘…JUST TALK GOOD.’
***
BLESSED WEDNESDAY.
***
Most of us have been trained and educated by our colonial masters so well after we have obtained our Independence we are versed in the art of divide and conquer, making mischief, and being disagreeable instead of disagreeing. W are in the business of criticising while offering no meaningful suggestions as to the way forward. Yes, Minister Nicholas is correct and if this type of disruption continues, measures will have to be taken to ensure that the briefing adheres to its objective of informing the people about what transpired at the cabinet meetings.
She brings nothing to the table but fodder for lub-ugly, ugly, politically charged; unpatriotic swamp. dwellers. She will not be missed. We have enough look-alikes, incompetent, hide-under-women’s -skirts pseudo journalists residing I’m Antigua. Send her back to the pits of hell from whence she came.
All these hypocrites were dead silent when the former lock down a radio station. The forum is not a political event, it’s set up to educate the masses on the government policies. Every goddam thing isn’t about foolish political games.
Does this review of this Journalist credentials and the recent attacks plus praises of her works has anything to do with one of the MOU’s signed with the Chinese? It’s already known of their behaviour when it comes to reporting on anything.
I’m trying hard not to assume the motive of minister Nicholas, so I will give him the benefit of the doubt and just ask a few questions: 1. what is the benefit of the program to whom? (2.) Since the program has become so important to your listeners, don’t you think they have questions? (3) And Since everyone is not allowed to ask, shouldn’t the persons who have that opportunity agitate on their behalf. (4) what is the program for, just to bring your narrative? That is called “evidence in chief”, and you can’t have evidence in chief without cross examination!!
Nikki has not been well liked by the Red Kool Aid Drinkers since the days of Lester Bird. She was on Voice of the People on Observer for a while.Keep on doing what you are doing,Nikki. You are a bona fide Citizen of Antigua and Barbuda.Talk as you damn like.As long as you are speaking the truth.That is all that matters.
Minister Nicholas: You should be the one banned.Could you please point to one damn thing. You have accomplished for the past 10 years as a Substantive Minister in Cabinet. What has become numbers portability? Not even that you could get accomplished.Lazy Arse!