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.
标签： Jamaica
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International football scouts head to Jamaica for Rough Treasure Youth Festival
Jamaica’s budding football talent is poised to captivate the global stage this December as the Rough Treasure Youth Football Showcase and Festival kicks off. The two-day event, set for December 13–14, will take place in Treasure Beach and Munro College, St Elizabeth, drawing attention to 120 young players aged 16 to 23. These athletes, selected from prestigious local competitions such as the DaCosta Cup, Manning Cup, Ballaz Academy, and Jamaica Premier League clubs, will have the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of scouts, coaches, and sporting directors from renowned international clubs including Manchester United, Crystal Palace, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and S C Braga.
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‘AI amplifies human intelligence’, says expert
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Amid growing concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) replacing human roles, Adrian Dunkley, founder and CEO of Star Apple AI, reassured human resource professionals that AI’s true potential lies in enhancing human intelligence, not replacing it. Dunkley’s remarks were delivered during the Human Resource Management Association of Jamaica’s (HRMAJ) launch of HRM Week 2025, held from October 5 to 10 under the theme, ‘Transforming Work: Human-Centered Leadership in the Age of AI.’
Speaking at the HRMAJ webinar titled ‘Empowering People with AI,’ Dunkley emphasized that AI serves as a tool to amplify human capabilities rather than diminish them. ‘AI didn’t replace human intelligence; it amplified it,’ he stated. He highlighted the transformative potential of AI in freeing employees from routine tasks, enabling them to focus on creativity, innovation, and meaningful connections. ‘The real opportunity lies in using AI to make work more human,’ he added.
Dunkley also shared insights from Caribbean organizations already leveraging AI, noting an average weekly time savings of five hours per employee. He underscored the importance of leadership in fostering trust and collaboration, stating, ‘When leaders help employees understand and experiment safely with AI, confidence and collaboration grow.’
Dr. Cassida Jones Johnson, President of HRMAJ, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the rise of emotional intelligence as a critical leadership skill in the AI era. ‘As AI takes over routine and analytical tasks, emotional intelligence is fast becoming the defining skill of successful leaders,’ she said. Dr. Jones Johnson also stressed the irreplaceable value of human insight, emotion, and connection, asserting that the most effective leaders combine intelligence with empathy and ethics.
HRMAJ further highlighted the growing importance of empathy, creativity, adaptability, and ethical decision-making in leadership, citing World Economic Forum predictions that these skills will be in high demand by 2030. The association also emphasized the significance of neurodiversity, psychological safety, and inclusive leadership in building resilient and innovative workplaces.
HRM Week 2025 set the stage for HRMAJ’s annual conference, scheduled for November 12–13, 2025, at the Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston. The conference will explore the theme ‘From Strategy to Impact: Mastering Leadership Excellence Through HR,’ further delving into the intersection of AI and human-centered leadership.
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Admiral leading US forces in Caribbean to step down
WASHINGTON, United States — Admiral Alvin Holsey, the head of US Southern Command, has announced his retirement, effective December 12, 2025, just one year into his tenure. Holsey’s departure comes amid a controversial counter-narcotics campaign in the Caribbean, which has seen US forces conduct strikes against alleged drug-smuggling boats, resulting in 27 fatalities. Critics argue these operations are illegal, while regional powers, particularly Venezuela, fear they may be a precursor to regime change.
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Radcliffe ‘Dougie’ Bryan dies at 78
Radcliffe ‘Dougie’ Bryan, the celebrated guitarist whose iconic riffs graced numerous hits by Toots and The Maytals, The Sensations, and Gregory Isaacs, passed away at the age of 78 on October 16 in Florida. His longtime colleague and bassist Jackie Jackson of The Maytals confirmed the news in an interview with Observer Online. Bryan’s illustrious career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on reggae and ska music. Earlier this year, in July 2024, he was honored with seven Grammy certificates by the Recording Association of America, recognizing his contributions to three Grammy-winning albums and four nominated works. The ceremony, held at the Island SPACE Museum in Plantation, South Florida, was presided over by Kennedy Mensah, managing director of Back 2 Da Future Music Ltd, a London-based music publishing firm representing Bryan. Among the albums acknowledged were Black Uhuru’s ‘Anthem,’ Bunny Wailer’s ‘Crucial! Roots Classics,’ and Toots and The Maytals’ ‘Got to Be Tough,’ which won Best Reggae Album Grammys in 1985, 1995, and 2021, respectively. Bryan’s work on other classics, including Toots and The Maytals’ ‘Light Your Light’ and ‘Ska Father,’ Jimmy Cliff’s ‘Hanging Fire,’ and Sizzla’s ‘The Messiah,’ was also celebrated. Born in Trelawny, Bryan moved to Kingston in his early teens and began his musical journey in the mid-1960s. He joined The Sensations, a harmony group that achieved success with hits like ‘Those Guys’ and ‘Everyday is A Holiday.’ Bryan’s guitar riffs became synonymous with timeless tracks such as ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,’ ‘Soon Forward,’ ‘Monkey Man,’ and ‘Pressure Drop.’ As a core member of The Maytals, alongside Jackie Jackson, drummer Paul Douglas, guitarist Hux Brown, and organist Winston Wright, Bryan helped shape the band’s signature sound. In the 1970s, he was part of The Revolutionaries, the house band at Channel One, where he collaborated with legends like Black Uhuru, Gregory Isaacs, and Jimmy Riley under producers Joseph Hoo Kim and Sly and Robbie. Bryan’s legacy as a pioneering guitarist and reggae icon will continue to resonate across generations.
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High interest ahead of 62nd Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament
The Sir Henry Morgan Anglers Association has officially launched the 62nd Annual Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament, setting the stage for one of the Caribbean’s most anticipated sportfishing events. The tournament, scheduled to take place from October 22 to 25, 2025, at the Ole’ Marina in Port Antonio, Portland, promises four days of world-class fishing, community engagement, and camaraderie. The launch event, held on October 9 at 100 Hope Road in Kingston, Jamaica, was marked by reflections on last year’s success and optimism for the upcoming competition. Chairman Maxim Rochester highlighted the impressive catch of 26 marlin in 2024, averaging nearly two per participating boat, and expressed confidence that this year’s event, timed with the moon phase, could yield even greater results. Sterling Asset Management Ltd., the title sponsor, reaffirmed its decade-long commitment to the tournament, emphasizing its alignment with values of sportsmanship, community, and environmental respect. A unique feature of the event is the Canoe Tournament, which provides a platform for traditional fishermen to showcase their skills, fostering local participation and inclusivity. Rochester also emphasized the association’s focus on generational transition, aiming to attract younger members and more women to leadership roles. With promising weather forecasts and growing excitement, the 62nd edition of the tournament is poised to deliver thrilling competition and strengthen the bonds between professional anglers, local fishermen, sponsors, and the community.
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Former boxing world champion Hatton found hanged at home, inquest told
LONDON, United Kingdom—The tragic death of former boxing world champion Ricky Hatton has sent shockwaves through the sports community. A coroner’s court in Manchester revealed on Thursday that Hatton, 46, was found hanged at his home in Greater Manchester on September 14. The inquest into his death was opened and subsequently adjourned until March 20, 2024.
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Honorebel, Alison Hinds, Ackah Dan for Roll Your Waist Remix
KINGSTON, Jamaica — International recording artist Honorebel has made a bold entry into the world of Soca with his debut track, *Roll Your Waist Remix*, featuring the iconic Alison Hinds and acclaimed producer/musician Ackah Dan. Released under Phantom Music Group/Zojak Worldwide, this remix builds on the phenomenal success of the original *Roll Your Waist* single, which amassed over 2.3 million YouTube views in just two weeks. The original music video, directed by Honorebel and Shadrac Milhomme, marked Honorebel’s 39th directorial venture. Alison Hinds, celebrated as the ‘Queen of Soca’, elevates the remix with her signature flair, blending elements of her global hit *Roll It Gal* into the track. Her commanding vocals and vibrant energy infuse the song with an irresistible Caribbean spirit, making it a standout collaboration. For Honorebel, this remix represents a significant milestone in his career. Renowned for his international hits and genre-spanning collaborations, his first Soca endeavor showcases his artistic versatility. ‘I see and hear a carnival hit. This song embodies the energy of Soca, the excitement of carnival, and the unity of Caribbean culture,’ Honorebel remarked. Producer Ackah Dan, whose roots span Antigua, Ghana, and Jamaica, brings his signature Afro-Caribbean fusion to the remix. Known for his ability to blend soulful melodies, modern electronic textures, and ancestral rhythms, Ackah Dan’s contribution cements *Roll Your Waist Remix* as both a Soca anthem and a cross-cultural masterpiece. Fans can anticipate the remix’s inclusion in Honorebel’s upcoming album, *Winner Circle*, set for release in February 2026, followed by his 15th studio project in summer 2026.
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Rights groups demand legal memo on Caribbean boat strikes
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) have jointly filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to uncover the Office of Legal Counsel’s (OLC) guidance and related documents concerning lethal strikes on alleged drug smugglers in the Caribbean. This move follows U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi’s refusal to confirm the existence of such guidance during her testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee. However, Charles Young, nominee for U.S. Army General Counsel, acknowledged the guidance’s existence in a separate hearing, revealing it was developed through an interagency lawyers’ working group involving the White House and executive branch agencies. Public reports suggest the OLC’s opinion asserts expansive presidential authority to use military force against individuals linked to drug cartels. Jeffrey Stein of the ACLU’s National Security Project condemned these strikes as ‘murder, pure and simple,’ emphasizing the need for public scrutiny of the administration’s legal justifications. Since early September, President Trump has reportedly ordered five strikes in the Caribbean, resulting in at least 27 deaths. The administration defends these actions by labeling drug cartels as ‘non-state armed groups’ engaged in armed conflict with the U.S. However, critics, including bipartisan lawmakers, legal experts, and international bodies, argue the strikes violate both international and domestic law. Baher Azmy of CCR warned of the administration’s ‘indiscriminate pattern of lawlessness,’ stressing the importance of transparency. Amnesty International’s Daphne Eviatar condemned the strikes as ‘murder—plain and simple,’ urging Congress to halt these actions and hold those responsible accountable.
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Danece Jacas is Miss Jamaica World Talent, advances to MJW top ten
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Danece Jacas, a resident of St. Mary, has emerged as the first-place winner in the Miss Jamaica World Talent fast track event, held at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre. Organized by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), the competition featured all 20 finalists vying for an automatic spot in the top ten. Jacas captivated the judges with her performance of Teddy Swims’ 2023 hit ‘Lose Control,’ securing her place in the finals.