Amanda Coulson, Director, National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, gives us details on two new shows opening this week: “The Bahamian Collection”, featuring black-and-white portraits of living Bahamians who “embody the Bahamian spirit”, and “40 Years of Bahamian Art”, featuring work from the Gallery’s permanent collection. The exhibition opening is set for Thursday, July 11, 6:30pm-9pm, and is free and open to the public. Log on to www.nagb.org.bs for more information.

Also, Guardian Radio Host Stephen A. Hanna tells us about his #4OVAD video series for the Bahamas’ 40th Anniversary of Independence. For 40 days – leading up to July 10 – he’s producing one short video a day. You can see the videos on youtube.com/SchinNguyen.

And “In The News”, the stem cell research debate continues, as FNM Deputy Leader Loretta Butler-Turner says she’s “confused” by FNM Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis’ position on the matter. Also, “Citizens for Justice” call for web shops to be shut down.

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.

We are LIVE in Rawson Square for Bahamas National Pride Day. Thomas Evans, QC, joins our CONSTITUTION 101 series to discuss what the Bahamas Constitution says about Citizenship.

And “In The News”, reaction to controversial stem cell research legislation, the shanty town report, and the road direction changes.

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.

We discuss Sports in The Bahamas over the past 40 years, and look ahead to the next 40. Morning Blend Contributor & Nassau Guardian Columnist Fred Sturrup, and Sports Journalist Adrian Francis, are our guests.

Also, Marcus Laing, Chairman of the new Association of Bahamian Architects (ABA), tells us about “The Design Clinic”. The event on Saturday will allow members of the public a free 30-minute one-on-one consultation with an architect to discuss their current or pending design project. It takes place 10am-2pm at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas. The ABA is encouraging folks to RSVP by emailing assoc.bah.architects@gmail.com or on Facebook.

Plus “In The News”, our listeners seem divided on whether stem cell research and therapy is something into which The Bahamas should be diving head first. And we discuss more of the revelations from the Department of Environmental Health’s “Shanty Town Project”.

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.

Clinton Minnis, the new President of the Bahamas Electrical Utilities Managerial Union, discusses BEC’s Executive Chairman Leslie Miller, the ongoing overtime controversy, load-shedding and blackouts, alternative energy, accusations of sabotage, and safety and security at BEC plants.

And in its 6th year, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Summer Youth Camp has doubled in recent years. Over 600 youngsters between ages 5 and 16 are taking part in “Camp Alpha” going on now (June 24-July 19); “Camp Bravo” is set for July 29 through August 23. Lt. Origin Deleveaux and Sub Lt. Thora Gardiner tell us there’s still time to register for Bravo. For more information, log on to www.rbdf.org.bs.

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.

National Training Agency (NTA) Consultant/Director Agatha Marcelle tells us why this new body is so critically needed at this time in the Bahamas. She says part of its mandate will involve job training, behavioural/attitude training, and referral and placement services. The NTA is scheduled to officially launch its pilot program on July 15.

And with the Value Added Tax (VAT) system set to go into effect one year from today, we ask listeners if they are ready for or even understand VAT. And we discuss the latest on the proposed Gaming Bill, and yet another audit at NIB.

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.