Guest Hosts Carlton Smith and Kevin Strachan talk with Kevon Lightbourne of the Bahamas Family Planning Association to have an in depth conversation about what the Organization responsibilities.

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:

A major overhaul to the country’s social welfare system is on the horizon. Deputy Director of Social Services Marva Russell-Minnis tells us that social assistance payments will become contingent on certain children in families maintaining GPA levels and taking steps to reduce obesity. The changes are set to go into effect by next summer.

Filmmakers Celi Moss, Owen Petty aka Cubes Pro, and Conrad Knowles, talk about making movies in The Bahamas – the challenges today, and their hopes for the future. Knowles’ new web series “Extra Baggage” will premiere at the 10th Annual Bahamas Film Festival, November 28, at Galleria Cinema West, JFK Drive. Festival Founder/Director Moss tells us former Youth, Sports & Culture Minister, the late Charles Maynard will also be honoured at this year’s event.

And “In The News”, we discuss the Prime Minister and his visit with the Pope; the Inter-American Development Bank’s alarm at the country’s 5.1 percent murder conviction rate; and the Retail Grocers’ Association calls for government to reconsider VAT, while former DPM Brent Symonette blames the government for causing the “panic” and “hysteria” over VAT, with the mismanagement of its education campaign.

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.

Dr. Wayne Thompson discusses and explains “mental masturbation”, which he believes is widespread in the country today. He also discusses how “selfish thinking” is affecting all of our relationships, including our roles as citizens and our interactions with and expectations of the government. He says warped thinking by generations of political leaders have cultivated overly-(govt.)dependent and greedy mentalities in this society.
Dr. Thompson’s new Guardian Radio show, “Relationship Management”, premiered Monday, November 11, and airs every Monday at 6:30pm.

“In The News”, the International Monetary Fund seems to be in full support of the government’s plans to implement Value-Added Tax. In its recent consultation with the government, the IMF said with the planned revenue and expenditure reforms, the country should see “substantial fiscal savings over the medium term”.
Listeners share their views – many still apparently skeptical about VAT, and about the advice and motives of the IMF.

And 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:

Just what impact will Value-Added Tax have on the average Bahamian consumer? How much will the cost of living increase after VAT is implemented in July 2014? We put those questions to Chartered Accountants Elijah Knowles and Gowon Bowe.

And “In The News”, heated discussions are sparked in response to the continued whining by government officials about the delays in the court system, the delayed Gaming Bill debate, and the need for less fear and hysteria about VAT – even though the legislation and regulations have still not been revealed! We call for everyone to stop talking, and start doing something about these problems!!

Plus our frog-inspired “Song 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.

‘Save the Bays’ Coalition members Romauld Ferreira and Joe Darville passionately discuss their concerns about the impact the Resorts World Bimini development is having on that tiny island. They say the finally-released Environmental Impact Assessment supports and reinforces many of their worries. The Coalition continues to push for an Environmental Protection Act and a Freedom of Information Act, and is encouraging everyone to sign its petition at savethebays.bs.

“In The News”, FNM Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis says “VAT will seriously impair the already weak, uncompetitive, and struggling Bahamian economy, and harm and diminish the quality of life of every Bahamian!” In a statement released yesterday, the FNM is calling on the government to “come clean” on why it seems to be rushing to implement the new taxation system. We get reaction to this latest position from Minnis, who just recently said he thought the government should delay for at least a year the implementation of VAT.

And Leslie Miller strikes again! In the House of Assembly Wednesday night, Miller defended web shop owners, saying many have made the country proud, and that they should not be ridiculed as hoodlums or compared to gangsters. He applauded them for their “ingenuity”. Miller also lamented his lack of success at playing numbers!! – which drew laughter from fellow House members. We play the shocking audio from the House, and our Twitter followers have their say!
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.