For years now, there’s been a perception that the middle class in The Bahamas is shrinking, despite projections that worldwide the middle class will grow significantly over the next few years. We talk with our financial correspondent Pamela Musgrove, Vice President of Investments at CFAL, about exactly what is considered the “middle class”, the pressures on and threats to this group, and the impact continually increasing taxation – including the anticipated implementation of VAT – will have on this segment of the population in this country.

Also, officials with PowerSecure International out of North Carolina are in The Bahamas for meetings with the government on ways the country can reduce the cost of electricity and improve reliability. Company representatives Mark Martyak and Ronnie Brannen give us a hint of their proposals and some of their suggestions for the government.

And “In The News”, more questions about the ankle bracelet monitoring system. And reaction to the protests by Cuban-Americans in Miami calling for the boycott of The Bahamas over the mistreatment of Cuban detainees in this 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.

Educator and researcher Dr. Marilyn Simmons-Bowe says The Bahamas needs to standardize its education curriculum, as well as testing and grading procedures. She discusses what the lack of standardization is having on the country’s education system.

“In The News”, we ask if it’s time for a major review of the ankle bracelet monitoring system, especially in light of a partially decomposed body of a man with an ankle bracelet. Police believe the man had been dead for about a week.

And we get reaction to Prime Minister Perry Christie saying the talks for majority control of BTC were over with CWC; he says he is now awaiting a final response from CWC.

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.

State Minister for Finance Michael Halkitis discusses the controversial new fees and taxes that went into effect with the new fiscal year on July 1. He also addresses the threatened class-action lawsuit against the government by Freeport licensees who claim they are being “double-taxed”. And he gives an update on the promised education campaign on VAT; he says the new taxation system is still on target for implementation in July 2014.

“In The News”, reaction to Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson demanding an apology from Fred Smith, Queen’s Counsel, after his claims of “political victimization”.

Plus 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.

In our CONSTITUTION 101 series, Bar Association President Elsworth Johnson discusses Freedom of Expression (Article 23), and what is considered defamation – slander and libel – especially in this era of social media.

Also, we have a fiery debate on the Cuban protests and on government’s ongoing pursuit of majority control at BTC. We get contrasting viewpoints on the illegal immigration issue. And we have reaction to BTC Board Member Leon Williams’ statement that extending the company’s cellular monopoly would make The Bahamas “the laughing stock” of the region.

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.

With even more calls now for the names of all shanty town property owners to be revealed, we discuss the surprising comments from Sen. John Bostwick, attorney for the owners of the property on Joe Farrington Road – site of the massive fire on Monday that destroyed scores of shanty houses and left over 120 people homeless. Bostwick won’t reveal the names of his clients, but says they object to being referred to as “slumlords”.

And “Mission Catwalk” winner Theodore Elyett and runner-up David Rolle talk about their experiences on Season 3 of the regional fashion design reality TV competition. The two were the first Bahamians to ever take part in the competition, and they beat out 13 other designers from throughout the Caribbean. Theo and David tell us about being Bahamian men in the fashion industry, their future plans, and “A Toast to Theodore and David” – an expo of their winning collections from the show. It’s set for Sunday at 6pm at Mario’s Bowling & Family Entertainment Palace.

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.