WILLEMSTAD – Radio host Dwight Rudolphina claims that his suspension by Radio Mas is politically motivated. According to him, the decision to keep him off the air until after the elections is not a business decision but an attempt to silence his critical voice. During a court case against his employer, he argued that his views on Curaçaoan politics may have played a role in the extension of his leave.
Radio Mas has placed Rudolphina on mandatory leave until March 24, with full salary, meaning he will only be allowed back on air after the March 21 elections. Rudolphina considers this an unfair measure and has filed an injunction against his employer to overturn the decision. During the court hearing, the judge attempted to mediate a resolution between the parties, but no agreement was reached.
Business Decision or Political Interference?
According to the management of Radio Mas, the extension of his leave is a business decision and has nothing to do with political interference. Station manager Gilbert ‘Gibi’ Doran, who is also a Member of Parliament for the ruling MFK party, stated that Rudolphina had previously indicated he was not interested in working in the run-up to the elections. This, according to Doran, was the reason for granting him additional leave.
Additionally, Radio Mas’ lawyers, Mr. Gonzales and Mr. Frias, argued that the station’s interests outweighed the impact of extending Rudolphina’s leave. “Every time Dwight is on air, management has to intervene to prevent problems. Moreover, Dwight himself said he did not want to work during the elections, so he can stay home and return afterward,” they stated.
Allegations of Political Pressure
Rudolphina disputes this explanation and insists that his suspension is the result of political pressure. In court, he claimed that in August 2024, a member of the MFK party approached him regarding the party’s public image. While he acknowledged that MFK ministers were doing good work, he had criticized the party’s role in Parliament, mentioning Doran by name. Following this, Doran expressed understanding but did not engage in further discussion.
Rudolphina also stated that in August 2024, he sent Doran a message expressing discomfort about the elections, as he wanted to avoid conflicts with others. However, he clarified that this was not a refusal to cover the elections but a personal concern. From August to December 2024, he went on leave without further discussions with management. Shortly before his leave ended, he was informed that it would be extended by two months. “I never requested extra leave. I never said I did not want to work during the elections,” he emphasized in court.
Another incident involved an invitation to dinner with Radio Mas’ owner, Farah, and another individual, Metry. During the conversation, he was asked about his views on independence. When he shared his opinion, he was told that he was not allowed to interview anyone or any party that supported independence. For Rudolphina, this was unacceptable, as he believes journalists should have the freedom to choose their interview subjects.
Judge Calls for Dialogue
During the hearing, the judge asked both Radio Mas and Rudolphina whether any discussions had taken place between August and December 2024 about his role during the elections. Both parties confirmed that no such discussions had occurred. Owner Farah stated that he avoided conversations with Rudolphina because the latter often reacted emotionally. Furthermore, management did not respond to a request from Rudolphina’s lawyer for a meeting.
The judge noted that the measure against Rudolphina was a severe one. He suggested that Radio Mas could have considered redistributing news coverage, allowing Rudolphina to focus on other topics while a colleague handled political reporting. However, the management had not explored this option.
At the end of the hearing, the judge asked both parties if they were willing to engage in dialogue to reach a solution, but neither side showed willingness. A ruling is expected within two weeks.
In addition to reinstatement, Rudolphina is seeking compensation for both material and immaterial damages.