Today on MORNING BLEND:

Gevon Moss with the Downtown Nassau Partnership gives us the latest on the Downtown Nassau redevelopment plans, including the status of the new boardwalk, and the efforts to address the long-depressed section of Bay Street, east of East Street.
Moss also tells us about “12 Days of Christmas Downtown!” The promotion begins this Friday and runs through Christmas Eve. It includes late-night shopping hours, a “Pompey Square Kids Festival”, and a “Fruit Cake Battle”. For details about these events, check out the Downtown Nassau Partnership on Facebook.

And we conduct “The Bahamian Sports Year in Review”. Morning Blend Contributor Fred Sturrup discusses some of the highlights and lowlights, achievements and disappointments of sports and athletes in The Bahamas in 2013, and looks ahead to what can be expected in 2014.

“In The News”, we discuss this morning’s “Immigration Spot Checks”. Just what were immigration officials hoping to achieve by asking motorists, “What’s your name?”?
And we discuss DPM Philip Davis’ first comments to the media after being held up and robbed in his home Monday morning. Plus, the surprising statements from FNM Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis, who says PM Christie should have left South Africa (and the Nelson Mandela Memorial Service) the moment he learned what happened to Davis.

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.

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:

Our postmortem on the 2013 Atlantic Hurricane Season: after being battered during back-to-back active years, The Bahamas, thankfully, had a respite from hurricanes this year. But it was still a busy time for NEMA (National Emergency Management Agency), as various weather systems brought record rainfall and flooding to New Providence and other islands in the country. And there were other tragedies, including tornadoes and deadly fires. Captain Stephen Russell (pictured, 2nd from right) gives us an update on NEMA’s operations this past year.
We also hear from some of the Agency’s partners: (pictured from l to r) Bradley King, Ministry of Works; Lindsay Thompson, Bahamas Information Services; Caroline Tunrquest, Bahamas Red Cross; Dr. Anthone Ward, Public Hospitals Authority; (Capt. Russell); and Jeffrey Simmons, Bahamas Meteorology Department.

“In The News”, we discuss the government’s plan to invest $30 million in expanding social safety net programs to offset the anticipated harmful effects of Value-Added Tax on the nation’s poor.
We also react to the latest IDB report that suggests VAT will lead to higher growth, lower debt, lower unemployment, and lower inflation, but only after an “initial surge” in these areas in the first year. The IDB study supports claims that VAT will lead to an additional 3-4% increase in the cost of living in the country.
Meanwhile, the Central Bank says the deficit shrunk 46 percent in the first quarter of the 2013/2014 fiscal year. Higher revenue collection and lower expenditure is credited with the turnaround.

And we have our “Quote of the Week”.

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:

David Williams believes all Bahamians need to be much more financially responsible, whether VAT comes in 2014 or not. Wlliams, president of ASI (Adventist Laymen & Service Industries), says people need to stop trying to compete with the Joneses, and must learn to prioritize. His organization will hold a 2-day “Health & Wealth” workshop this weekend focusing on how to plan a family budget, the importance of insurance, steps to start a small business, and living a healthy lifestyle. The workshop takes place at the Message of Hope Centre at the former Bahamas Academy campus on Wulff Road.

And we get details on Shell’s exciting “12 Days of Christmas” promotion, going on now through January 9, 2014. Motorist will be eligible to win lots of weekly prices with every $20 purchase of fuel at Shell service stations.

Plus, “In The News”, local reaction to the death of Nelson Mandela, the beloved anti-apartheid leader and the first black President of South Africa.
Also, PM Christie says the govt. will “outlaw” so-called “double dipping” by govt. employees who collect full salary while obtaining NIB sick-pay benefits.
And the latest on VAT and shanty towns in New Providence.

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.

Government Financial Advisor James Smith discusses potential threats to US-Bahamian Dollar parity, and Value-Added Tax.
The former Central Bank Governor tells us he has suggested that VAT be initially set at 10 percent instead of the proposed 15.

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.