Spanish authorities have initiated an investigation into the mysterious disappearance of a Pablo Picasso masterpiece, ‘Still Life with Guitar,’ while it was being transported from Madrid to Granada for a scheduled exhibition. The oil-on-canvas artwork, valued at 600,000 euros ($700,000), was part of a showcase organized by the CajaGranada foundation, featuring pieces from private collections. National police sources confirmed the ongoing inquiry but refrained from disclosing further details due to confidentiality protocols. This incident adds to a history of thefts targeting Picasso’s works, which are highly sought after for their immense value. Notably, two of his paintings fetched over $140 million at recent auctions. One of the most infamous thefts occurred in 1976, when more than 100 of Picasso’s works were stolen from the Palais des Papes museum in Avignon, France, though all were eventually recovered. Picasso, born in 1881 in Malaga, Spain, and passing in 1973, remains one of the most influential artists in history, renowned for his groundbreaking experimentation with diverse styles and themes.
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Children, 9 and 10, charged with attempted murder and rape in brutal attack on 5-y-o in US
In a deeply disturbing incident in Cleveland, Ohio, a nine-year-old boy and a 10-year-old girl have been charged with attempted murder, rape, felonious assault, kidnapping, and strangulation following an attack on a five-year-old girl. The incident, which occurred on September 13, has sent shockwaves through the community. According to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, the suspects were charged in juvenile court, and no further details will be released due to the case’s sensitive nature. The victim’s mother described the harrowing scene, stating her daughter was brutally beaten, assaulted, and ‘scalped,’ leaving her ‘unrecognizable.’ The child had been dropped off at a relative’s home before wandering out and being attacked in a nearby field. The mother recounted the traumatic aftermath, saying her daughter’s injuries were ‘unbelievable,’ with severe bruising, blood covering her body, and her hair forcibly removed. Cleveland police are actively investigating the case, emphasizing the need to protect the privacy and constitutional rights of those involved.
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EU court rules dogs are same as baggage for airline liability
In a landmark decision on Thursday, the European Union’s top court ruled that dogs traveling in an airplane’s cargo hold are legally classified as baggage. This means airlines are not obligated to pay higher compensation if the animal is lost or harmed during transit. The ruling emerged from a legal dispute between Spanish carrier Iberia and a passenger whose dog went missing during a flight from Buenos Aires to Barcelona in October 2019. The dog, which was too large and heavy to travel in the cabin, escaped while being transported to the aircraft and was never recovered. The passenger sought €5,000 ($5,400 USD) in damages, but Iberia argued that compensation should align with the Montreal Convention’s limits for checked baggage, which caps liability at a lower amount. The Spanish court referred the case to the European Union Court of Justice, which sided with the airline. The Luxembourg-based court stated that while the term ‘baggage’ typically refers to objects, it does not exclude pets, provided animal welfare requirements are met during transport. The court also noted that the passenger had not made a ‘special declaration of interest’ at check-in, which could have allowed for higher compensation with the airline’s approval. The judgment is advisory, and the final decision on compensation will be determined by the Spanish court handling the case.
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Allow children to be children
In a compelling letter to the editor, Kelli Coombs highlights the pervasive influence of gang leaders on youth and the urgent need for government intervention to address this societal crisis. Coombs reflects on her 2016 article, ‘Gold, girls and guns,’ where a 13-year-old boy aspired to become a gang leader, citing the allure of wealth, power, and societal validation. This aspiration, she argues, is fueled by the legitimization of gang leaders through government contracts, which sends a dangerous message to impressionable children.
Coombs recounts numerous interactions with young individuals who committed crimes under duress from gang leaders, often referred to as ‘the boss.’ These leaders, she notes, wield immense power in their communities, acting as law enforcers, judges, and executioners. One harrowing account involves a young man forced to kill his best friend after a gang leader threatened his mother’s life.
The author criticizes the government’s historical practice of awarding contracts to gang leaders, which perpetuates a cycle of violence and criminality. She calls for immediate action, including audits of HDC apartments to remove unauthorized residents, frequent roadblocks in gang-prone areas, and bolder measures from the Homeland Security Ministry. Coombs emphasizes the importance of protecting children and ensuring they can grow up free from the influence of gang culture.
Her letter concludes with a plea for the government to leverage its authority to dismantle gang networks and create safer communities for future generations.
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CAL ‘nine years late’ troubling
In a striking revelation, the 2016 audited financial statements of Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) were finally tabled in the House of Representatives, nearly a decade overdue. This delay, highlighted in recent media reports, underscores a systemic issue of weak accountability and disregard for statutory obligations within the state enterprise. The documents were referred to the Public Accounts (Enterprises) Committee, chaired by Senator Vishnu Dhanpaul, with MP Colm Imbert as vice-chair. Both individuals have previously served as finance ministers and are well-versed in financial stewardship, making the delay even more concerning. Senator Dhanpaul, who also served as CAL’s board member and permanent secretary, is no stranger to the intricacies of financial governance. The prolonged delay in submitting these critical financial reports not only erodes public confidence but also hampers effective parliamentary oversight. It reflects a broader pattern of financial mismanagement within the public sector, exacerbated by the recent departure of key executives and board changes. This incident should serve as a wake-up call for those responsible for oversight, urging them to take corrective action and restore public trust in institutional governance.
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From local to legendary: Is export readiness key for SMEs?
For entrepreneurs and senior-level employees in Trinidad and Tobago’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), achieving export readiness is a significant milestone. The Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Commerce (TT Chamber) has long emphasized this goal through its Contact Magazine and various initiatives, offering incentives, support services, and financing options to help businesses scale from micro to large enterprises. Both public and private sectors have introduced technical and operational growth programs, including the TT Chamber’s inaugural SME Conference, ‘Catalyst,’ aimed at fostering SME development. However, while some SMEs have achieved remarkable regional and international success, many still struggle to break through. This raises critical questions about policy environments, financing accessibility, and the effectiveness of public and private support systems. Marc Sandy, Manager of the Trade & Business Development Unit at the TT Chamber, highlights that while these factors are important, the entrepreneur’s passion and commitment to building a sustainable brand are paramount. One standout example is Farm and Function, a local agro-processing company that has expanded its regional footprint despite challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Founded by David Thomas and Rachel Renie-Gonsalves, the company evolved from d’Market Movers, an online fresh produce distributor, into a leading supplier of frozen fruits. Farm and Function’s success story underscores the importance of resilience, strategic pivoting, and a clear vision. As SMEs navigate the complexities of export readiness, they must ask themselves fundamental questions about their ambitions, adaptability, and discipline. The journey from local to legendary demands not only financial and operational readiness but also an unwavering commitment to a global vision.
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Powering the future: Wind, green hydrogen could redefine Trinidad and Tobago
As Trinidad and Tobago (TT) adapts to a rapidly evolving global energy landscape, the nation is charting a bold new course. At the forefront of this transformation is a strategic pivot toward large-scale wind energy deployment, coupled with green hydrogen and green ammonia production. This initiative is poised to become TT’s next major economic driver, ensuring its competitiveness in a world increasingly focused on decarbonization.
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The formidable aviatrix Margaret Rose Mary Young
Margaret Rose Mary Young, wife of Sir Hubert Winthrop Young, the Governor of Trinidad and Tobago (1938-1942), was a pioneering aviatrix whose daring exploits and strategic vision left an indelible mark on aviation in the English-speaking Caribbean. Her story is one of resilience, innovation, and a brush with danger that captivated a nation. In 1935, while accompanying her husband during his tenure as Governor of Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia), Lady Young embarked on a perilous flight from Livingstone to Lusaka. Despite battling malaria and navigating through treacherous weather, she took to the skies in her de Havilland DH 60G Gypsy Moth aircraft. However, turbulence disrupted her compass, leading her off course. Running low on fuel, she made a forced landing in a remote area of Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), where she and her companion, Dr. TRF Kerby, miraculously survived with minor injuries. The incident sparked one of the most extensive search operations in Northern Rhodesia’s history, involving hundreds of personnel and aircraft. Lady Young’s survival and subsequent actions underscored her determination and resourcefulness. During World War II, recognizing the disruption of shipping lanes, she spearheaded the establishment of airlinks between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States. Her collaboration with aviator Lowell Yerex led to the founding of British West Indian Airways (BWIA) in 1940, the first airline in the British West Indies. BWIA played a crucial role in shaping the region’s aviation industry, cementing Lady Young’s legacy as a trailblazer in Caribbean aviation.
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NIS amendments: A win for all
In a landmark announcement during the 2025/2026 national budget presentation, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo unveiled sweeping reforms to the National Insurance System (NIS). These changes, aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of the system, include a phased increase in contribution rates and a gradual rise in the qualifying age for full pension benefits from 60 to 65 years, effective January 2028. These measures, though initially surprising to some, were deemed both inevitable and necessary following the 11th Actuarial Review, which warned that the National Insurance Board’s (NIB) reserves could be depleted within eight years without decisive action. The reforms reflect global demographic trends, including aging populations, declining birth rates, and a shrinking workforce, which are placing immense pressure on social security systems worldwide. Minister Tancoo reassured citizens that those retiring before January 1, 2028, will remain unaffected, and existing pensioners will continue to receive their full entitlements, including the minimum pension at age 60. These reforms have been welcomed by financial professionals as a demonstration of fiscal responsibility and a commitment to long-term sustainability. Similar measures have been adopted globally, with countries like Denmark, France, the United Kingdom, and Barbados adjusting their retirement ages to align with demographic shifts. While these changes may be challenging, they are essential to preserving the integrity of the NIS, which supports over 200,000 citizens in securing income and dignity during retirement. By acting now, the government aims to safeguard the financial well-being of the nation and ensure future generations benefit from a stable and reliable safety net.
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Rethinking retail tax
In a significant move aimed at streamlining taxation and boosting economic efficiency, Trinidad and Tobago’s Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo announced plans to replace the existing Value Added Tax (VAT) system with a sales tax during the 2025/2026 budget presentation on October 13. The VAT system, in place since 1989, has been criticized for its administrative complexity, backlog of refunds, and negative impact on business confidence. Tancoo emphasized that the proposed sales tax system would be simpler, more efficient, and aligned with models used in countries like the US and Canada. The current VAT rate stands at 12.5%, but the new system aims to eliminate loopholes and improve compliance through better resource allocation and digitization. Additionally, the government announced the removal of VAT on ‘basic’ food items, effective October 17, to address national food affordability. This includes products like pumpkin, watermelon, and coconut water. Industry leaders, including the TT Manufacturers’ Association and the Supermarket Association, have expressed cautious optimism, highlighting potential benefits such as reduced administrative burdens and improved cash flow for businesses. However, concerns remain about the transition process, particularly for small enterprises and farmers, who may face challenges in adapting to the new system. The government has pledged to ensure the transition is revenue-neutral and socially balanced, with protections for low-income households.