King's House blames 'miscommunication' for media snub

King’s House is this afternoon defending itself after members of the media were not allowed into the swearing-in ceremony of Manchester Custos Sally Porteous.



In a statement released this afternoon, King's House said it had given no instructions for the media to be barred from the swearing-in.



King’s House said it only denied a request for CVM communications group to air the event live.



King’s House said there appears to have been a breakdown in communications.



However, this morning members of the media were stopped at the Devon Road and Old Hope Road entrances of King's House, which is the official residence of Governor General Sir Patrick Allen.



"I have been informed that the media is not allowed," a police woman stationed at the back gate of King's House told The Gleaner this morning.



The newest explanation by King's House differs from one given earlier that the media were not allowed inside because the event was significantly scaled down.



A representative of King's House at the time said, unlike other installation ceremonies for Custodes, this one will not see events such as an inspection of a guard of honour.



This is the latest controversy in the appointment of Porteous as Custos of Manchester. She was appointed on November 15 last year by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen on the recommendation of the then prime minister, Bruce Golding.



With the appointment sparking a firestorm, King's House announced that the initial January 26 installation ceremony in Mandeville was put off "to facilitate further consultation due to uncertainties in the parish".



The venue was subsequently shifted to King’s House.



Porteous has been facing opposition from justices of the peace (JPs) and residents of Manchester, who claim her appointment is political.



She was hastily sworn in as a JP days after she resigned as a member of the Manchester Parish Council to facilitate her appointment.



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