Today on MORNING BLEND:

Community activist and ex-convict Dewitt Williams tells his story of transformation from a life of crime and imprisonment to an advocate for troubled young men heading down the wrong path. He shares his views on crime, guns, the death penalty, and why our focus needs to switch from searching for solutions to crime, to finding ways to prevent people from turning to a life of crime in the first place.

And “In The News”, reaction to a shocking shooting last night in the Tampa, Florida, area; a 71-year old man shot another man dead in a movie theatre after an argument over texting. With increasing calls for more Bahamians to be allowed to legally possess and carry handguns for their own protection, we ask whether this would lead to more of these sorts of incidents in this country.
And with six months to go before its implementation, Prime Minister Perry Christie says a group of American economists will conduct a final study on value-added tax to address some of the “hysterical” concerns about the tax regime.

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.

Today on MORNING BLEND:

Franon Wilson, President, Bahamas Real Estate Association, discusses the government’s revised policy on the stamp duty exemption for first time home buyers. Wilson tells Dwight and guest host Pamela Musgrove that the threshold has dropped from properties valued at $250,000 to now $200,000. He explains that for properties valued between 200K & 250K, the government will exempt the first 200K and take 5% (and not the full 10%) stamp duty on the difference. Wilson says despite common perceptions, there are still many properties under the threshold for first-time buyers.
We also discuss other real estate concerns and trends.

“In The News”, with the death penalty the apparent hot topic of the new year, we discuss some of the puzzling statements from government officials about the need to amend the constitution to allow for executions to take place, and the need for a referendum on the issue.
And we try to determine why someone would conduct a poll on how Bahamians feel about web shop gambling, nearly one year after the issue was decided in a referendum.

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.

Today on MORNING BLEND:

Ahead of the holiday weekend, we discuss road safety issues, including: drinking and driving, speeding, confusion with new roads and road changes, round-a-bouts, motorcycles and helmet use, and cell phone texting/talking while driving. Guests: Joy John, Ministry of Works & Urban Development, Karen Mortimer, Road Traffic Dept., and Insp. Harry Williams, Royal Bahamas Police Force.

And on the eve of first ever Majority Rule Day Holiday, we talk with Athama Bowe about the significance of the day, why January 10 needed to be commemorated with a holiday, and how ALL Bahamians should be observing this special day.

“In The News”, reaction to Chief Justice Sir Michael Barnett’s warning that judges and magistrates will not be dictated to by the executive branch of the govt., and that they will resist any attempt to curtail their upholding of the rights guaranteed by the constitution.
Plus, we try to understand the “serious consideration” being given to a constitutional amendment to capital punishment, as per Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson.
And we get views on Marco City MP Gregory Moss’ bold statements in the House.

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.

Today on MORNING BLEND:

Bar Association President Elsworth Johnson says the Judiciary is not to blame for the crime situation in the country; he says the problems we’re experiencing have more to do with parents and citizens in general abdicating their responsibilities.
As the first guest in our new monthly “Legal Ease” segment with the Bar Association, Johnson addresses the importance of following “the rule of law”, whether we like the outcomes or not.
Johnson also reacts to some of the controversial provisions FNM leader Dr. Hubert Minnis outlined in his New Year’s message to address capital punishment.

The Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity is celebrating its 100th Anniversary on Thursday, January 9. Nassau Alumni Chapter President Rodney Bain, Past Pres. Kareem Hanna, and Charter Pres. of Beta Beta Lambda Chapter at the College of The Bahamas, Derek Smith Jr., tell us the history of the fraternity, the local alumni chapter and their work in the community, and how the men in royal blue and pure white plan to celebrate the anniversary worldwide tomorrow.

“In The News”, Deputy Prime Minister Philip Davis says The Bahamas is “not as dangerous as it is made out to be”, and that he still feels safe. The statement comes one month after Davis, while acting as prime minister, was held up at gunpoint in his home in broad daylight. Davis also confirms that he now has police presence at his home.
And FNM leader Dr. Hubert Minnis says the Opposition plans to table a Bill in the House to remove the impediments to capital punishment.

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.

Today on MORNING BLEND:

Silbert Ferguson, Chairman, Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence, talks about the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades: the new judging and scoring system; the rumour that Boxing Day results had been changed; the disqualification and then non-disqualification of two groups on New Year’s; the size of the groups in the A Category; and the calls for one common theme for the New Year’s parades.

“In The News”, we discuss the calls for curfews in Nassau in response to high crime rates. We ask whether the times are drastic enough to require such drastic measures.
Plus, a US attorney warns that the Bahamas may be “one gunshot away” from seeing cruise lines drop it from cruising itineraries.

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.