Morning Blend 18 March, 2014

The “I am S.M.A.R.T. Foundation” is promoting “Starting Mother-/Father-hood At The Right Time”. Dr. Carnille Farquharson and Founder Dr. Madlene Sawyer tell us the private, nonprofit organization aims to combat risky, sexual behaviour, with the aim of reducing the rate of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. We discuss the physical and psychological effects of teen pregnancy, and the group’s various strategies to tackle these issues.
“I am S.M.A.R.T.” is looking for volunteers and donations. Contact them at iamsmartbahamas@gmail.com, or visit iamsmartbahamas.com or on Facebook, or call 322-6440.

Also, ILL-Abilities is the amazing group of break-dancers shattering misconceptions of people with disabilities. Each of the 5 members was either born with major physical malformations, or was left physically impaired by childhood illness. With the assistance of the US Embassy, the group is here in The Bahamas for the week, promoting the message that “anything is possible. No excuses, no limits!”. The group will be taking this message to schools, churches and community groups throughout New Providence and to Abaco on Friday. Pictured flanked by Farrell and Dwight: Ait “Redo” Chitt from Netherlands; group founder/creator Luca “Lazylegz” Patuelli from Canada; Neda Brown, Public Affairs Officer, US Embassy of Nassau; and Sergio “Check” Carvjal from Chile (foreground).
Visit their website illabilities.com or facebook.com/noexcusesnolimits

“In The News”, the FNM says Prime Minister Christie demonstrated an “inappropriate” “abuse of power” in trying to stop a bank from repossessing the home of VAT Coordinator Ishmael Lightbourne. In the House last week, while defending Lightbourne against what he called “vicious attacks”, the PM said he asked the managing director of the bank, “what can I do as prime minister to stop this man from being put out his house today?”
Both the FNM leader and chairman say this likely left the bank in a difficult position, and feeling obliged to give in to the PM’s wishes.
Also, Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller says he’s “shocked” the Crisis Centre rejected his $1,000 apology for his joke about beating an ex-girlfriend.