Dwight | Guardian Talk Radio

Wed, 26 Mar 2014 06:37:13 -0400

Morning Blend 26 March, 2014

The Bahamas Auto Repair Association (BARA) is calling for dialogue on the proposed vehicle emissions testing regulations between the government and all auto industry stakeholders, including car dealers and fuel wholesalers/retailers. BARA representative Dwaine Scavella, and Lance Munroe with Elite Auto Techs, discuss the many factors that can influence the emissions from a vehicle, including the quality of fuel and the vehicle’s service and maintenance schedule.
Pictured with Dwight and Andrew, Lance Munroe.

“In The News”, mortgage arrears on the increase; reaction to FNM Deputy Leader Loretta Butler-Turner’s calls for a march on the Prime Minister; and Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade on violent crime in the country.

Be sure to follow Dwight 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.

Tue, 25 Mar 2014 06:46:53 -0400

Morning Blend 25 March, 2014

The Consumer Protection Commission is here! The government says this will finally provide consumers an avenue for recourse for substandard services or products. We talk with Commission Chairperson Senator Cheryl Bazard and Deputy Permanent Secretary with the Ministry of Labour & National Insurance Alpheus Forbes about the work of the commission, how it will function, and what consumers need to do to have their issues addressed.
We also talk with Chief Price Inspector Sidney McKenzie about price control. And Consumer Analyst Lavade Darling tells us about the Consumer Welfare Unit’s relaunched magazine, ‘The Consumer Voice’.
If you have an issue that you need addressed, call 356-9391-4, 328-0701, or 322-3105.
Pictured flanked by Farrell and Dwight, l-r: Sidney McKenzie, Lavade Darling, Sen. Cheryl Bazard, and Alpheus Forbes.

“In The News”, FNM Deputy Leader Loretta Butler-Turner calls for a march against Prime Minister Perry Christie over his abuse of power in the VAT Coordinator Ishmael Lightbourne home repossession matter.

Mon, 24 Mar 2014 06:47:41 -0400

Morning Blend 24 March, 2014

The debate over bail for violent and repeat offenders intensifies. National Security Minister Dr. Bernard Nottage shares his personal views, saying he feels those accused of murder should not be entitled to bail. He also calls for greater restrictions for those on the ankle bracelet monitoring program. The company currently managing that program agrees.
But the Bar Association President says the Minister and the Police Commissioner, who expressed similar sentiments last week, are being “disingenuous” with their comments, and that they know the country subscribes to the universal declaration on human rights, and that a person is innocent until proven guilty.
Also, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe is confirming that web shop operators are currently giving advice to the government on the regulations that will govern their sector. But Wilchcombe says this “lobbying group” will not make decisions on how they will be policed.
Plus, Labour Minister Shane Gibson says the Christie Administration is living up to its pledge to resolve outstanding public service labour issues, and is not worried about claims from the TUC President that a union revolt is brewing.

Fri, 21 Mar 2014 06:22:38 -0400

Morning Blend 21 March, 2014

The number of reported child abuse cases grew 18% last year compared to 2012. According to Dept. of Social Services statistics, there were 490 cases of child abuse in 2013, compared to 412 the year before. Lorraine Duvalier, Assistant Director of Social Services, tells us the most commonly reported forms of abuse are neglect and physical abuse, followed by sexual and emotional abuse. Duvalier tells us her department has a Hotline for citizens to report suspected abuse cases: 322-2763/ 422-2763.
April will be observed as Child Protection Month in The Bahamas, with the theme, “Toward child centered societies: Learn from the past. Act for the future”.

“In The News”, more surprising revelations about the PM’s intervention in the mortgage woes of the VAT coordinator: State Min. for Legal Affairs Damian Gomez says the PM did not block a bailiff from serving a court order to seize the property, and that it was the bank that did so, after the PM called and worked out a payment arrangement. Gomez also says he doesn’t understand why there’s any controversy, and that, “it’s not like we are stealing the money from the Public Treasury and giving it to the bank.”
Also, the PM speaks to university students in Cayman about Ethics, and informs them that his govt. will give “renewed consideration” to the Freedom of Information Act, and will “likely introduce before year’s end specific legislation dealing with anti-corruption”.
And Financial Secretary John Rolle says businesses need to stay focused on preparation for VAT and not worry about the VAT rate and implementation date!

Plus our “Song of the Week.”