Miss Kitty

Popular radio and entertainment personality Miss Kitty said she is no longer at Radio Jamaica Limited (RJR) because of contractual disagreement.

Miss Kitty, born Khadine Hylton, did her last afternoon show entitled Ruption on Friday. She had been with the company since 2008.

She said she was forced to make a very difficult decision because of a difference between herself and RJR, in relation to a new contract she was offered.

I have resigned, it was a sad and unfortunate letter that I had to pen. A choice was given to me and in my judgement and estimation, I could not survive under that," Hylton, who is also known as The Fluffy Diva, said. "Like any young person, I want to grow. I am sure the fans don't want me to stay one way forever. I shouldn't be penalised for wanting to grow."

She revealed that at the heart of the matter was a morning show she recently started on Link Up Radio 93.5 FM based in New York, which targets listeners in the Tri-state area. She explained that a new contract was drafted for her by RJR with an exclusivity clause, which barred her from working with another radio station.

"They wanted to just drop in that clause. I understand they want exclusivity, but you have to be willing to pay me. If I am sick for a month, I'm not paid. I'm not messing with their revenue. I am not directly affecting their revenue," Hylton said, adding that she has made a lot of sacrifice in order to be in good standing for her job with her former employers.

not fair

"I'm a freelancer, I don't get health care, insurance and other benefits as an employee on staff. If I don't work, I don't get paid, so therefore, you can't want to cut off my ability to earn. I don't think it's fair to hold a staff employee to the same standards as a contract employee. I've given up a lot to include night life, I don't smoke and I don't drink. I remain a committed professional in my field, last week alone I did three outside broadcasts," she added.

Hylton said prior to joining Link Up Radio, she got a lucrative offer from that company to relocate overseas which she turned down to stay connected with her fans here in Jamaica.

"I turned it down, the gentleman had to do it so that I can broadcast from here. He came down and set up shop so that I can still do my RJR job, so what is the problem?" she asked.

Hylton was quick to shoot down any thought of animosity.

She said: "No animosity whatsoever. It was a pleasure and honour being with RJR. I have my integrity, aspirations and dreams. I want to thank them for the opportunity. I hope they continue to grow from strength to strength."

She revealed she has many offers but is in no rush, and will use the time to concentrate on her foundation or continuing her education.

She said: "I want to go to law school so that can be done, and I also want to start my foundation. I will be back on local radio, it's all about where to go. I have a bond with my fans. I have fans as old as 85. I get my energy and motivation from them."

She says the calls and responses from people all over have been overwhelming and comforting. Fans can catch her on www.LinkUpradio.com in the mornings from 5 to 9 on Facebook/TheFluffyDiva and Twitter @fluffymisskitty

Radio Jamaica, in a release on Friday, confirmed that Hylton and the company will not enter a new contract period.

"Her resignation comes against the background of discussions regarding other broadcast arrangements which are having an impact on the company's present and immediate strategic business activities," the group said.