We begin analyzing various aspects of the 2013-2014 Budget. Businessman Graham Weatherford, who has used solar panels to go “off the grid”, discusses the proposed changes in tariffs for solar inverters and LED “appliances”.

Fred Munnings Jr., Entertainer, cultural historian and community activist, gives his views on the government’s proposed annual week-long national cultural festival during the pre-Lenten season that would be a “Bahamian Carnival or Mardi Gras”. The Budget allocates $1 million to this initiative, with a target start-up date of 2015.

And Fred Albury, President, Bahamas Motor Dealers Association, talks about the potential impact of the planned reversal for the assessment of duty on vehicles from engine size to the value of the vehicle.

Be sure to follow us on twitter @MorningBlend969 and check out our new Facebook page! http://facebook.com/MorningBlend969 Also contact us via email at morningblend@nasguard.com and call in to the studio 323-6232 | 323-8160.

Baha Mar Academy is searching for passionate, talented people to be part of the mega resort when it opens in December 2014. Baha Mar Academy’s Vonja Ifill, Associate, Keith Miller, Communications Associate, and Kristen Wells, Director, tell us they’ve received at least 3,700 applications and resumes so far. They also give us details about this year’s summer internship opportunities for college and high school students. For more information, log on to www.bahamar.com/careers/opportunities

And today marks Day One of the 40 Day Countdown to the 40th Anniversary Independence Celebrations in Clifford Park. Leslie Robinson with the Independence Committee says it’s time for us to celebrate Independence with more zest and zeal, and to recognize that we have a lot for which to be positive and thankful. He gives us details about some of the events planned for the next 40 days.

Be sure to follow us on twitter @MorningBlend969 and check out our new Facebook page! http://facebook.com/MorningBlend969 Also contact us via email at morningblend@nasguard.com and call in to the studio 323-6232 | 323-8160.

The “40 Days for Women’s Empowerment” Movement is set for June 1 – July 10. Maelynn Seymour-Major tells us about this organization which is fighting for women’s equality and an end to abuse and harassment in the workplace and on the street. The group is encouraging everyone to participate in a survey to collect statistics on women’s rights and empowerment in The Bahamas. Visit our page on facebook.com/morningblend969 for a link to the survey.

And “In The News”, we discuss the 2013/2014 Budget, including the surprising change in how duty will be assessed for motor vehicles; the exigency order for flood victims, and how residents should be encouraged to purchase items from local vendors; and BEC’s unions response to sabotage claims.

Be sure to follow us on twitter @MorningBlend969 and check out our new Facebook page! http://facebook.com/MorningBlend969 Also contact us via email at morningblend@nasguard.com and call in to the studio 323-6232 | 323-8160.

“The Bahamas at 40 Conference” at the College of The Bahamas begins exactly two weeks from today. COB professors Chris Curry and Stephen Aranha give us details about the conference, which will be “reflecting on the past, envisioning the future” from June 12 through 14. For more information, log on to www.cob.edu.bs

Also, Tina Klonaris-Robinson, Founder & Managing Director of The Meah Foundation, tells us about the aims and objectives of the organization, and the upcoming Music Festival fundraiser, Saturday, June 1, on Charlotte Street. Log on to www.themeahfoundation.org.

And with the flood warnings still in effect for the entire Bahamas, we talk with Neil Armstrong with the Department of Meteorology (via telephone) about what we cane expect over the next few days. Armstrong says the rainfall and thunderstorms will peak this evening.

Be sure to follow us on twitter @MorningBlend969 and check out our new Facebook page! http://facebook.com/MorningBlend969 Also contact us via email at morningblend@nasguard.com and call in to the studio 323-6232 | 323-8160.

We discuss BEC Executive Chairman Leslie Miller’s claim that sabotage is behind the damage to one of the main engines at the Clifton Pier power plant. Miller says this could result in an increase in electricity bills this summer.
We also discuss Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade’s interview on ‘Jeffrey’ yesterday, and the Christian Council’s calls for “prayers” to tackle crime in the country.

Also, ahead of this week’s “Social Media Bootcamp”, we get details on how businesses can use social media profitably. Crystal Washington, a “social media expert” out of Houston, Texas, and head of CWM Enterprises, Miranda Inniss, CEO, The Publicity Agency (Bahamas), and Ricardo Berris, President/CEO MI Group of Companies, outline ways to use social media effectively to grow any type of business. The Boot Camp is set for May 30 and 31 at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort.

And we’re joined by the amazing Lauryn Rolle, the new Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year 2013-2014. The precocious 11-year old 6th grader at St. Thomas More Primary tells us about her journey to Primary School Student of the Year, her first week with the title, the many activities in which she’s involved, and her future plans and goals. Her mom Pia Rolle also discusses how she is determined to have all her children become productive and independent citizens.

Be sure to follow us on twitter @MorningBlend969 and check out our new Facebook page! http://facebook.com/MorningBlend969 Also contact us via email at morningblend@nasguard.com and call in to the studio 323-6232 | 323-8160.