WILLEMSTAD - Curaçao’s Parliament has taken concrete steps to establish its own radio station, according to Prime Minister Gilmar "Pik" Pisas. Speaking during a parliamentary session yesterday, Pisas revealed that 175,000 guilders have been allocated in the budget to cover radio broadcasting costs. The idea of broadcasting public sessions has been under consideration for some time. Currently, the Parliament partners with the DirectLive radio station to broadcast public and central committee meetings and also utilizes digital streaming services. The proposed radio station aims to enhance public education efforts. 

The Prime Minister clarified that the existing web streaming and digital archives systems will remain operational alongside the new radio broadcasts. These systems enable the public to access past audiovisual sessions. Research shows that a significant portion of the audience follows parliamentary meetings through radio broadcasts. 

The Parliament currently spends approximately 175,000 guilders annually on radio broadcasting. However, a financial analysis indicates that the initial costs to launch an in-house radio station would range from 35,000 to 50,000 guilders over the first two years. Beyond this period, expenses are expected to decrease significantly, with estimated monthly operational costs of around 7,000 guilders—substantially lower than the current expenditure. 

By establishing its own radio station, Parliament hopes to increase accessibility and foster a greater understanding of governmental proceedings among the Curaçaoan population.