Tempers flared at today’s post-cabinet news conference when a reporter accused Chief of Staff Lionel Max Hurst of insulting the intelligence of reporters.
The heated exchange between Nikki Phoenix and Hurst can be seen by clicking on the video link below:
Here:
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Investigational journalism at its best.
You know when you’ve won an argument when the person being questioned starts to nitpick on HOW the question was put to them instead of answering it.
Well done Nikki Phoenix you got to him (especially when you mentioned that you are putting the question on behalf of the nation of Antigua & Barbuda) and struck a raw nerve.
OUTSTANDING … 👏
… And by the way, the country does want a public enquiry. Immediately!
You sound like an idiot as usual.
Great work young lady
Nikie u need to call the st kitts government and tap make yourself look like a clown. Honestly you are political
Whether Ms Phoenix is political is not the issue here; we need answers to the questions and this man is just being genuine as usual, he’s being evasive, deceptive and crudely dishonest. Anyway, he has informed us that the person who sent him thinks that he’s doing very wonderfully and that is probably his only concern so Nikki was totally off course.
Which question?
Not much to say again @ Iman?
Do you have anything positive to say one way or the other to this important debate? Instead of mindless 2-3 worded soundbites that can’t be interpreted either one way or the other?
Here’s a recommended read for you Iman:
‘Grammar For Grown-ups’ by Craig Shrives 👍
Brixtonian, again lifting the standard for constructive debating and discussion – as always!
Is tenman Lionel Hurst? Sure reads like he talks.
Same thing I was thinking. If she is so interested, simply put the question to St. Kitts where the bodies are?
You chatting sh t
Sure! You’re really better at the what you do best……..lies, lies, lies and more lies.
Your mom could not have given you a better name than the one you carry…….
LIAD-NEL HURST.
Max is right they are better at the game. This is not about governance it’s a gene of projection. Kudos to that female journalist who stood her ground against this liar and tyrant who only wanted to bully her to avoid her questions
Nickie is top class she nailed it ❤️
Hurst is a pumpus arrogant asshole that needs to go and water his plants and stop trying to play smart.
Nicky Phoenix just loves attention. Big political pundit and wannabe activist. Give me a break. Too arrogant, condescending, insulting and full of she self. Not a fan of Max but I certainly agreed with him… don’t tell him how to do his job. Whence camest thou?
Nikki you shouldn’t be apologetic to an arrogant unprofessional so called “chief of staff” especially when he was insinuating you are a joke. Stand your ground young lady and push him hard. His strategy is to deflect from the narrative to make him look better!! You journalists needs to be more polish and assertive and maintain a degree of professionalism.
Keep doing your research and stick to the facts…. Hurst can easily be challenged but u have to understand him.
PEOPLE DIED AND MAX HURST SAY IT’S A GAME.
HEY MAX HURST, YOU ARE A SCUM OF THE EARTH
WHEN THE UPP WAS IN POWER, MAX HURST AND HIS LABOUR PARTY CALL FOR INQUIRY INTO THE WADADLI POWER PLANT.
MAX HURST AND HIS LABOUR PARTY CALLED FOR AN INQUIRY ABOUT THE FENCING SCANDAL, NOW THE SHOES IS ON THE OTHER FOOT MAX HURST DOESN’T WANT ANY INQUIRY.
QUESTIONS TO MAX HURST
MAX HURST, IF YOU GUYS SAY THE GOVERNMENT WAS DUPED AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL WHY NOT CALL AN INQUIRY TO FIND OUT HOW COULD THAT HAVE HAPPENED?
MAX HURST, IF IT IS A THIRD PARTY BROUGHT THE AFRICANS TO ANTIGUA, WHY NOT DO AN INQUIRY TO FIND OUT HOW AND WHY ?
AN INQUIRY WILL DISCOVER HOW COULD A THIRD PARTY HAVE ACCESS TO A PLANE THAT MARVELLOUS MIKE LEASED OR CHARTERED, WAS IT AN INSIDE JOB ?
MAX HURST, LET ME ASK YOU A HYPERTETHICAL QUESTION ?
IF YOU COME HOME ONE DAY AND MEET YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER HAVE 800 TO 1,000 PERSONS WALKING AROUND IN YOUR YARD WITH THEIR SUITCASES WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
AND IF YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER TELL YOU DADDY I ONLY INVITE ONE FRIEND , I DON’T KNOW THE OTHERS , WHAT WOULD YOU DO , MAXX HURST?
WOULD YOU ASK YOUR CHILD’S FRIEND WHAT THE OTHERS ARE DOING HERE?
THAT’S WHAT AN INQUIRY DOES MAX HURST, ASK QUESTIONS AND SEEK ANSWERS TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THE MATTER.
AND IT APPEARS TO ME THAT YOU MAX HURST AND YOUR GOVERNMENT DON’T WANT AN INQUIRY BECAUSE YOU DO NOT NEED THE PUBLIC TO HEAR THE ANSWERS.
MAX HURST, THE UPP DID AN INVESTIGATION ON THE FUNCTIONING AND THE RUNNINGS OF OUR EMBASSY IN NEW YORK, WHEN THEY WERE IN POWER AND YOU MAX HURST SOMEHOW GOT A COPY OF THAT REPORT AND YOU MADE A BIG THING ABOUT IT ON THE RADIO, AND NOW THAT YOU ARE IN GOVERNMENT YOU DON’T THINK ITS NECESARY FOR ANY KIND OF INVESTIGATION ON YOUR GOVERNMENT.
THAT JUST TELLS ME HOW CORRUPT YOU AND YOUR GOVERNMENT ARE.
IF THERE’S NOTHING TO HIDE, CALL AN INQUIRY END OF STORY.
This lady is totally out of place. I have watched many press briefings around the world. especially the daily press briefings from the USA and not once have I seen a reporter behave in such a disrespectful way. What she is doing is casting aspersion on the Chief of Staff, who i representing the government. As max told her having documents about a civil court case which is not even trialed yet and making her own conclusion is no evidence of a criminal act or shade act from the investor Marvelous Mike. It is a business dispute that he and his alleged partner will have to settle in court. Business relationships often have fallouts and previous partners find themselves in court suing one another. This reporter seems to be week after week investigating this investor and wanting to smear him. Well, we all know she is doing the bidding for Sean Bird. She claimed to be an investigated journalist; however, she has incomplete information and wants to come public with that. That is not how investigative journalists behave. They get all their facts straight and then they present the whole story. Sad, sad sad. I would like to see her credentials. Cause I doubt she is a trained journalist. Much to inexperience in the manner she conducts an interview. You should never sound antagonistic against the person you interview. Or try to put him or her with their back against the wall. But that is how we show our political bias in this country.
@From The Sideline.
What an absolute load of tosh from Max Hurst when he said an inquiry is not needed. If ever there is an inquiry needed it is now. He and government won’t hold one and no amount of demanding and pleading will change their mind and that’s it; they are not going to do it and we all know why. The lady does take too long with her questions, she must learn to make them much shorter and not get too carried away with trying to nail her interviewee. Lack of experience perhaps but she did well overall. Best part of the video for me was when Chief of Staff Max said casually ‘an aircraft flew out of Portugal…..’I sat glued to my chair in disbelief. Might this have been our once part owned glossy, shiny and gleaming Antigua Airways airplane with the national flag brazenly emblazoned on its fuselage?This is Alice (or maybe Marvelous Gaston) In Wonderland stuff. Curiouser and Curiouser. I deespair!
@Oversee – Hi Fly airline is registered in Portugal. This is the airline that in general brought the Cameroonians . How is it you have so much to say but seem unaware of this important fact? According to the Antigua Observer: “Hi Fly is a Portuguese charter airline headquartered in Lisbon run by brothers Paulo and Carlos Mirpuri Mirpuri” (see Tourists from African flights dismayed by cost of Jolly Beach accommodations, Dec 24th, 2022). Time to stop oversee and focus on what’s Infront of you
@From the Sideline
What do you mean by totally out of place? You sound both condescending and an arrogant fool. It is the job of journalists to ask probing questions. Do you think Labour Party people are superior to everyone else?
@Asking when she acts like the people on US fox news, making baseless accusations, she will continue to be called out just like Obama did Fox (see Obama Calls Out Fox News, Bill O’Reilly For Lying To America)
Well said Boss, she looking attention. Calling herself an investigative journalist does not make her one. In many ways she reminds me of Percival Simon. Atleast though he was smart enough to always add allege. I guarantee you that in short time she will cost ZDK a lost law suit since she fails to understand fact from allegation. # months max before she gets fired
@Sidelines: I am living in the USA for the past 44 years.I have seen and heard reporters go after the White House Press Secretary all of the damn times. Nikki Phoenix was not out of place to question Linohel Wurst. In my opinion,he got where he is on the Political Party lines of his late Father.He late Father was a Minister in VC Bird Administrations for many years.Point to one damn thing Linohel Wurst has done based on his merit? All of the positions he held since leaving Grammar School were political appointed,by the ALP/ABLP. Go and bury your head into the sands.So that we the people could kick you in your rear end.Then again,you would like it.
Marvelous Mike and Manipulative Max. Partners in crime. You ever see a liard, conniving set of people that just revel day and night in propaganda? Go Nicki! Can’t wait to see what you come with this week on your show!
@Bring the Busines .. the company’s name is Marvelous Mike Press. Its owner is Akinola Michael Bayo
I agree with Max Hurst on this one.
Nikki needs to go to school and learn.
Nikki must learn how to ask basic simple questions.
It should not be about her, but the issue.
She gives speeches and asked no questions?
Attention when someone is lying some truth will come out.
If you’re playing games you can’t win because we’re better, so he finally admits that the government has been playing games with the citizens. SMH
Oh and he was wrong about St Kitts doing what they would’ve done. If that was true then the country would be further ahead.
St Kitts government not corrupt like Antigua and Barbuda
Max go seek repentance
Where did “marvellous mike” get his money ? He has a printing business that claims to have contracts with all kinds of huge international companies and organisations. His building looks disused & doesn’t even have a sign outside. Website made in 2022. Brand new printing equipment. 0 evidence of any kind of business dealings.
What is this guys story and how did Antigua government get in bed with him ? That is what nobody is asking! Who is he ????
@Dirty dealings: Stop the untruths. An age check on marvelousmikepress.com shows it was registered on: Monday 22nd of October 2018. The company itself MARVELOUS MIKE PRESS LIMITED “was incorporated in ABUJA, Nigeria with Registration Number 661285. It was registered on 25 Jul 2006 (see ng-check.com/
… And so far looking at the FAVOURABLE percentage of comments on this particular thread, Nikki Phoenix is ahead with around 70%-75% in her favour over Max Hurst’s dithering, procrastinating, and temporizing posture.
Again, outstanding journalism – KEEP SHAKING UP THESE DUPLICITOUS POLITICIANS MS PHOENIX!
Nikki please ask the government for the correct name of “Marvelous Mike “. I just do not understand why and how a country could be dealing with someone and at such high level and continue to use what we call a nickname.
@Frankly Speaking…. While you’re at it, ask Nikki Phoenix for her REAL name. Some Muffet person she is!
@Frankly Speaking . The name of the company is Marvelous Mike Press. The name of its listed Owner(s)/ Directors are Akinola Michael Bayo & Akinola Christiana. A simple google search would have garnered you that info
Well done Ms Nikki. You have more balls than anyone in the government
Maxy! Put a name to the face Marvelous Mike via beautiful PHOTO! We have seen Mr. Stanford, Mr. Calvin Ayre, Mr. Stewart etc….Show us who is “Marvelous Mike.” Sounds to me it is a pseudonym for a WWE CHARACTER! Another “Alphabet Boy.”
Nikki ruffled some feathers there😂😂😂
Max Hurst is full of it!!
They left from Antigua so wether or not they are in St Kitts or any other country is no reason for this government to not have information to give the public. What are they really hiding. They pretend to care but not showing any form of support, empathy or sympathy for the tragic incident. Why is it so hard for them to just be truthful
@Crying for our children one thing there is no doubt of, Hurst has contributed more to the development of this country than the bum Nikki. How many persons she now owe? You do know she has a history of not paying bills?
Go ahead @ intheknow, keep shooting the messenger; and whether or not Ms Phoenix can pay her bills or not, what has that got to do with her doing her job as an investigative journalist?
REMEMBER, FISHERMAN NEVER SMELL HE OWN BASKET …
The question what this so-called journalist should have been asking is, who is behind the other airline that brought all these Cameroonians here? High Fly. Who are they and how did they find out about this opportunity? I for one am very skeptical about that. I used to play “Good Cop, Bad Cop” a lot when making deals. It’s done all the time. And Marvelous Mike may be the “Good Cop”, but who is High Fly? Are they the Bad Cop? That is where our journalists should put their energy in. Exposing the Bad Cop. And see if there is a link between the two. Because it is very strange of a coincidence that these people find out about this route which allows people from West Africa to come to the Caribbean without a visa before boarding a flight. And who would risk a business venture were hundreds of people are been flown into a country and they have no agreement with the government. Suppose the plane never got approval to land. No flight can take off from one destination to another without prior approval. Therefore, investigative journalism should focus on this.
@From The Sideline
So you are saying that the Antiguan government had to have known the other flights were coming as they would have had to give permission for them to land. What a bunch of lies we are told.
Sidelines you go lose you ‘interference’ job cause you a tell Nikki to investigate the planes that land in Antigua with people without visa – bwoy who tell you fu do dat. All kinda big people in Airport and Ministry of Aviation go get expose for their share of the deal.
Don’t you know that no plane can leave nowhere without agreement from both origin and destination. And this is on paper agreement.
Plus everything has to be cross referenced including what is in the belly. The weight & balance of the aircraft will tell you which plane brought in the money which they cannot touch yet.
No plane can fly without agreement and international procedure. Antigua Government selling the people a big lie, and Sidelines is asking that it be investigated! WOW!
Nikki did a wonderful job with her interview. All the detractors and political prostitutes who are trying to attack her need to wheel and come again. Bunch of brain dead useless idiots. This is not a game. Lives have been lost . Did these African tourist as they were called come on a one way ticket?
@Amnesia – Ask yourself the true reason why they took to the sea. A recent survey published by this very media house has some 80 percent of them stating that they have faced discrimination while in Antigua. Many at the so called vigil a few nights ago, can’t wash their hands clean from that.
Nicky’s game over the years has always been to be the center of attention. However in time she always overplays her hand. Because someone sues someone makes the accused automatically a bad person? Then if yes Nicky when sued by her landlord in 2018, and then locked up, is a bad person. Recall the police having to come and arrest her for her non appearance in court
@Tenman
You darn well know they took to the sea because it was always their intention to get to the States. You and your government can bend over backwards and lay blame, and beg them to stay in Antigua as potential labour voters, but they will take what ever means necessary to get out of Antigua. I can guarantee you that by the end of the year not one of them will be in Antigua.
The plan was in motion before they left Africa. Have you wondered who in Antigua helped them to get on that boat and who got them to Guadeloupe?
@tenman
You labour people are a nasty bunch. As soon as anyone says something, you get personal and dirty. What happen, nobody is allowed to ask questions in Antigua, even a journalist? You people are just further dumbing down your supporters.
@Saying one thing about you UPP supporters is you love throw stone and expect the people you attack to be like Jesus and turn the other cheek. As HL used to say, play ball take rubbers. Jesus done die on the cross, hence there is no need for ALP to do same (expect to get it back and more in kind)
All these ABLP apologists should be ashamed of themselves at putting the government’s questionable actions before the country.
Embarrassing to say the least!
Can I remind these Gaston Browne lickspittlers that it is a journalists job to ask probing and investigative questions.
Remember, time will eventually avenge all ABLP’S wrongdoings, because DAY LONGA DAN ROPE!
@Brix.. apology for what? The people of this country has given us a 3rd term due to our stewardship. Most ignored the lies you and other opposition types are spouting. Recall you wrongly predicting it would never happen. Watch the 4th terms soon roll in. Atleast you can comfort yourself with the knowledge that though persons can use multiple names here, the majority of persons (some using multiple aliases) support Nikki who has a history of not paying her bills. Thank God persons can’t vote more than once in our elections
I hope, like me, you are also looking forward to the independent investigation into how the Africans were displaced here; and I can’t wait to hear all your excuses when this duplicitous government (led by your idol) is more than likely found guilty as charged.
Nikki Phoenix interview has gone around the world, and it’s just a matter of time before an outside authority takes a closer look whether or not trafficking took place – just a matter of time!
Tick tock … tick tock 🕰
I see Nikki did bring out the Gastonites. Could you guys tell me. What flavor of Kool Aid the Dawg was sharing. In your eyes Gaston not a real Browne could do no wrongs.
@Wharf Rat- stop insulting us. We are not kids. Its red wine and the expensive kind. Helps in ensuring we are not bitter like the lot of you. You should know it also help the digestive system, ensuring we live long
@ tenman. Your reasoning i find to be very weak. What were they promised that caused them to be in Antigua? How is it that another airline was able to land in Antigua with what appear to be no legal document? Discrimination happens all over the world . Could it be that here was not their final destination? It seems to me that their is more going on than what have been disclosed. Please remember that a fool may be talking but not all fools listening. Survey can be done by targeting a certain audience which does not reflect the true picture. Who paid for and was behind the survey? Just food for your thought . Remember that truth needs no defense and it come to light one day soon.
@Amnesia your pseudonym really describes you. There are articles written and carried in Observer newspaper (Gemma Handy) which have them making clear their initial intention was not to stay long in Antigua. However they are now stuck here and of-course making them feel unwelcomed by discriminating against them is not going to dissuade them from risking their life to leave. My reasoning would be lacking to you because you simply have amnesia (on purpose) when it comes to the facts
@From the sidelines When you write:
No.1
“I have watched many press briefings around the world. especially the daily press briefings from the USA and not once have I seen a reporter behave in such a disrespectful way.”
I assume you are referring to the Whitehouse Press Briefing: Did you miss the former Fox News Whitehouse Peter Doocy or Simon Ateba of Africa News Now? Both of two persons have been extremely rude to the first African American female White House. To the statement of you viewing many Press Conferences where you haven’t seen such exchanges: I say to that: BS. But let’s move on.
No.2
I am a born Antiguan and Barbudan and when I presented a proposal to Cabinet, they asked the Minister of Finance to follow up; and have me present “Proof of Funds” I did provide Proof of Funds from a US global bank; signed and certified by a Senior VP with the authority to provide such documentation. What happened after that is history. I do know the process for investors to CIP and non-CIP investors.
No. 3
This character Marvelous Mike is an investor or was an investor. I have yet to hear or read exactly was the deal. Here are my questions to those of you who defends Gaston and Max and others?
(a) Who was the Antigua and Barbuda CIP Agent
(b) What was the role of the resident ambassador to the OAS if any?
(c)Marvelous Mike the printer got up and decided he is going to invest in an airline. This person among millions of Nigerians. How did this come about?
(d) Given Gaston and his minions are still defending Marvelous Mike (MM) What was the due diligence that was conducted on both Marvelous Mike (MM) and his partners? Please don’t tell us the normal. lay it out.
(e) Given it was promoted that Antigua was going to own 20% of Antigua Airways. and airline that never existed and never came into existence. How did you verify the existence of the asset or value of the proposition. Remember MM is a printer.
(f) How did this Portuguese get involved to bring into Antigua and Barbuda an approximately 700 more people?
(g) What is the relationship between MM and all the other flights
(h) How did those flights come about?
(i) Did they arrive without the knowledge of Government Authorities: Gaston and others?
Do not equivocate. When yourself and all the other Gaston lapdogs look up from picking up the crumbs from under the table; it will be reflected in what you write.
So basically, according to the govt. All the refugees came on the subsequent flights and all the ones on the first flight (that got the water cannon salute) were wealthy investors…right?
@Tenman: When Gaston’s Sycophants has not answer they resort to the Bible. Here you have “Eat My Shoe Max” being abusive to a young female journalist, rather than to address the issues of Antigua Airlines multi-level scam. Lying is Max go to argument and inexperience Jounalist are not prepared to handle all the lies. Max says “we are good at what we do” LYING
Antiguans and Barbudans were scammed by Gaston with the idea that an entity was creating an Airline in which Antigua and Barbuda would be a 20% owner. Activities and celebrations we were held to welcome these Wealthy Africans. What we know now is that the passengers were not wealthy Africans. So Gratonites are switching the script when we asked happened to the wealthy Africans?
We know the Cameroonians were scammed.
We know what was told to Antiguans and Barbudans turns out to be false.
Was Marvelous Mike scammed?
We know the Antigua Government scammed?
Who else were scammed?
And who is the Prime scammer?
@vernon southwell I saw a list of some strange questions from you directed at FTS. Have you seen any fact anywhere which makes clear that the owner of Magic Mike press was not a credible investor? Are you familiar with the CIP investment option? Its on their website. At no time was AA offered as an investment option by CIP. There was talks of this happening in the future once certain criteria’s were met (eg the airline being certified), however this never happened. As far as persons travelling in AA not all being wealthy Nigerians, I see nowhere where it was stated that all travelers on AA would be wealthy Nigerians. I was one before AA came to the fore who advocated to the PM and others for what AA was to do (provide a link between the region and Africa, provide more passengers for Liat). There is an article in Observer with the tourism minister stating exactly this (see Antigua Airways’ tipped to start flights in October 4 August 2022). You really need to stop parroting opposition propaganda as truth:
“A formal agreement was signed between the government of Antigua and Barbuda and Nigerian publishing and printing firm Marvelous Mike Press Limited at the office of the Prime Minister on Wednesday.
The news was first revealed in Cabinet notes last month which reported that the carrier would be financed by wealthy Africans wishing to open a new route between the African continent and the Eastern Caribbean.
Tourism Minister Charles Max Fernandez witnessed this week’s official signing and said the third week in October is the tentative date for the first flight.
He said there may be about three flights per week.
Fernandez said this is not only beneficial to Antigua and Barbuda but the wider Caribbean.
“Initially the idea is that they will have passengers and do their bookings. So if someone is coming from Nigeria, apart from just spending a week or two in Antigua, they will be able to spend a few days in Antigua, a few days in Dominica, come back to Antigua, catch a flight and go out or spend a couple days in one of the other islands,” he shared.
The July 21 Cabinet notes had also alluded to a possible collaboration with regional airline LIAT, which is set to be restructured.
Minister Fernandez also spoke of the possible benefits if the entities did indeed join forces.
“Nigeria alone is 200 million people so that population will be a new source market for Antigua,” he told Observer.
“In addition to that they’ve already spoken to LIAT so linkage between LIAT and the new airline will be very, very important…it also opens the door for investment,” he said, adding “there are a lot of wealthy people in Nigeria”.
Most of the refuges came via Hi Fly not AA. As far as your question to me regarding scamming you do know probably out of desperation that those refuges scammed our immigration department? They lied about where they were staying. Look I have no problem forgiving them based on what they were running from but I was saddened by the treatment they received especially by opposition supporters
@Tenman
Go eat your tongue. What purpose does it serve. Oh, but then you would still have fingers. Pity. Somebody suggested that these Africans could be militarily trained and could have been intended to be somebody’s private army. This may account for all the outpouring of love from some quarters.
The following ended a month ago in March 2023 four months after the Africans arrived in Antigua. The Cameroonians would be in NYC through this route, if they were not scammed: With the money they spent to get to Antigua they could have gotten to USA.
” U.S. President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday announced a plan to close a loophole to an immigration agreement that has allowed thousands of asylum-seeking immigrants to move between the two countries along a back road linking New York state to the Canadian province of Quebec.
So many migrants since early 2017 have walked into Canada on Roxham Road outside Champlain, New York, that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police staffed a reception center to process them, less than five miles (8 kilometers) from the official border crossing.
Roxham Road became a favorite route, but it’s just a taxi ride from where Interstate 87 approaches the Canadian border, and for southbound migrants, it’s a relatively short distance to New York City.
Ye, but you need a visa to enter Canada before you can enter the USA illegally. If you are lucky to cross the USA border from the south, then you may get into Canada.
@ tenman . You just prove my point of limited brain power. Feeling unwelcomed could never be the main driving force behind them taking drastic measures to leave. For your information i studied human behavior and other things that i will not get into. When a person mind is hell bent and set on something after using life savings they will do whatever it takes to achieve their dream.
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