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From exile in Atlanta, Roberto Marrero, a prominent Venezuelan figure, has voiced a deep longing to return to his homeland and contribute to its rebuilding. Marrero, who has experienced political hardship under the Nicolás Maduro regime, believes that economic openness and the country’s vast natural resources offer a unique opportunity for Venezuela’s recovery. His statement reflects the sentiments of many Venezuelans living abroad who dream of a future where they can participate in the revitalization of their nation.

Marrero’s desire to return isn’t simply a personal wish; it’s tied to a broader vision of national reconstruction. He envisions a Venezuela where economic reforms unlock the potential of its resources and create opportunities for its citizens. This sentiment comes as Venezuela grapples with a prolonged political and economic crisis that has led to widespread emigration. According to estimates, over 8 million Venezuelans have left the country in recent years, seeking better living conditions and political stability. [5]

Political Background and Imprisonment

Roberto Eugenio Marrero Borjas is a Venezuelan attorney and politician who served as chief of staff to Juan Guaidó. [2] In March 2019, Marrero was arrested by SEBIN, Venezuela’s intelligence service, during a raid on his home. He was subsequently detained in El Helicoide, a prison described by Clarín as “the country’s largest torture center.” [2] His arrest drew international condemnation, with the U.S. Government repeatedly warning Nicolás Maduro against targeting Guaidó and his associates. Haaretz reported at the time that Marrero’s arrest was seen as a test of the U.S.’s resolve. [2]

At the time of his arrest, Marrero was charged with conspiracy, money laundering, association to commit a crime, and concealment of weapons and explosives. [2] Néstor Reverol, then Interior Minister, alleged that Marrero was part of a “terrorist cell” planning attacks on government officials. [2] A judge ruled that Marrero would remain in prison although evidence was gathered, giving prosecutors 45 days to present their case. [2] Prior to his arrest, Marrero also served as an attorney for Leopoldo López, a prominent political prisoner and mentor to Guaidó. [2]

Life in Exile and Focus on Reconstruction

Currently residing in Atlanta, Marrero continues to advocate for a democratic transition in Venezuela. His recent statement, shared across various platforms including CNN en Español and social media, underscores his unwavering commitment to his country’s future. [1, 3, 4] He specifically expressed a simple yet poignant desire: to take his son to a baseball game in Venezuela. “Sueño con llevar a mi hijo al estadio,” Marrero said, translating to “I dream of taking my son to the stadium.” [1]

Before his exile, Marrero was actively involved in Venezuelan politics. He founded the Human Rights Chair at Santa Maria University and served as a councilor for the Baruta Municipality. [2] In 2016, he served as secretary for the Venezuelan National Assembly, representing the Popular Will political party. [2] He was also considered as a candidate for Monagas state in the 2015 parliamentary elections after Carlos Vecchio was prohibited from running. [2]

Marrero’s current operate extends to producing the film “Relatos del Exilio” (Tales of Exile), which aims to raise awareness about the risks facing democracies worldwide. [5] He believes that the experiences of Venezuelan exiles serve as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions. [5]

The situation in Venezuela remains complex, with ongoing political and economic challenges. The country’s future hinges on a number of factors, including the implementation of economic reforms, the restoration of democratic institutions, and the return of skilled professionals who have left the country. Marrero’s hope for a return and participation in reconstruction reflects the aspirations of many Venezuelans who believe in a brighter future for their nation.

As Venezuela continues to navigate its path toward recovery, the voices of those in exile, like Roberto Marrero, will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the country’s future. The next steps for Venezuela will likely involve continued international pressure for democratic reforms and efforts to address the humanitarian crisis affecting millions of Venezuelans.

What are your thoughts on the situation in Venezuela? Share your comments below, and please share this article with others who may be interested in learning more.

The Nizhny Novgorod region will begin training specialists in the operation and maintenance of passenger cable cars and funiculars, following an agreement signed February 16th between UrbanTech Service LLC and the Borskiy Gubernskiy College, regional authorities announced Wednesday.

The initiative aims to address a growing need for qualified personnel as the region expands its cable car infrastructure. Students in their third and fourth years will be eligible for the new programs, which will offer qualifications as electromechanical technicians or cable car and funicular maintenance mechanics.

“The signing of the agreement is an important step in preparing highly qualified personnel for the transport sector,” a statement from the regional Ministry of Transport said, as reported by local news outlet Tvoy Bor. “We are creating not just educational programs, but a comprehensive system based on the many years of experience of our specialists.”

Curricula will be developed collaboratively by college faculty and experts from UrbanTech Service, utilizing modern teaching materials. Practical training will be conducted on the existing cable car line connecting Nizhny Novgorod and Bor, beginning this spring. Students will work under the supervision of experienced mentors, gaining hands-on experience in the repair and maintenance of complex machinery.

Upon completion of the program and successful examination, graduates will receive state-recognized certificates and will be given priority consideration for employment with UrbanTech Service. The launch of the training program coincides with plans to construct a new cable car line in Nizhny Novgorod, connecting the Chernigov and Barminskaya districts, according to ProgorodNN.

Aleksey Volkov, director of the Borskiy Gubernskiy College, emphasized the importance of the agreement for the college’s development and strengthening of its practice-oriented education, according to a post on VKontakte.

Mexico City – A significant portion of the high-caliber ammunition fueling cartel violence in Mexico can be traced back to a U.S. Army ammunition plant, according to a recent investigation and statements from Mexican defense officials. Approximately 47% of the .50-caliber cartridges seized in Mexico since 2012 originated from the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Missouri, Mexican Defense Minister Gen. Ricardo Trevilla Trejo revealed Tuesday during a press conference.

The findings, stemming from an investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) and partner media outlets, highlight a concerning flow of powerful weaponry into the hands of criminal organizations operating within Mexico. These cartels have utilized the ammunition in attacks targeting both government forces and civilians, exacerbating the ongoing security crisis in the country. The issue of illegal arms trafficking from the United States to Mexico has long been a point of contention, with Mexican authorities consistently lamenting its contribution to escalating violence.

The Lake City plant, operated by private contractors under agreements with the U.S. Army, is the largest manufacturer of rifle rounds for the U.S. Military and a major supplier to American consumers. These agreements, however, have inadvertently allowed .50-caliber ammunition and its components to enter the civilian market, ultimately finding their way south of the border. Millions of pages of court documents, seizure records, and government data obtained by the ICIJ and its partners detail this pathway.

A man sweeps outside the Municipal Presidency in Villa Unión, Coahuila state, Mexico, on December 2, 2019, after an armed attack on the town which left multiple people dead. Image: Julio Cesar Aguilar/AFP via Getty Images

Cartel Use of .50-Caliber Ammunition

Investigative records present that Mexican authorities discovered cartridges bearing the Lake City plant’s initials, “L.C.”, following at least four attacks attributed to criminal organizations. These incidents include the 2019 massacre of 13 police officers in Michoacán and an attack on the town hall in Villa Unión, Coahuila, which resulted in the deaths of six police officers and civilians, as well as 19 cartel members. The .50-caliber rifles, often exceeding five feet in length and weighing around 30 pounds, are readily available for purchase in U.S. Gun shops despite their limited civilian applications.

According to an ATF briefing from spring 2022, .50-caliber guns had been used in at least seven attacks on Mexican military and police helicopters. Cartels have employed these weapons to target government officials, engage law enforcement and military forces, and carry out attacks on civilian populations, resulting in at least 121 deaths in 87 attacks since 2003, according to an ICIJ count based on news reports, academic studies, and government records. The flow of ammunition across the border, while less publicized than the trafficking of firearms, is substantial, with experts noting millions of rounds entering Mexico annually. Currently, U.S. Federal law places virtually no restrictions on ammunition purchases by American citizens and legal residents.

Government Response and Ongoing Legal Battles

The Mexican government, under President Claudia Sheinbaum, has seized 18,000 firearms since she took office in late 2024, with 78% originating in the United States, according to Gen. Trevilla Trejo. This included 215 .50-caliber rifles. Successive U.S. Administrations have pledged to address the flow of firearms into Mexico. In September, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a new initiative aimed at halting the trafficking of guns and ammunition. However, efforts to stem the tide have faced legal challenges.

In June, the U.S. Supreme Court blocked a lawsuit brought by the Mexican government against U.S. Gun manufacturers, alleging they failed to adequately prevent their products from reaching cartels. A separate lawsuit against gun dealers in Arizona remains ongoing. President Sheinbaum stated Monday she is reviewing the ICIJ investigation and intends to seek clarification from the U.S. Government regarding how military-grade weaponry is entering Mexico.

The U.S. Army maintains that its agreements with Lake City’s operators, requiring the plant to produce up to 1.6 billion rounds annually, save taxpayers approximately $50 million per year. This is achieved by allowing the contractors to sell excess production capacity to foreign governments, law enforcement agencies, and the public.

The situation underscores the complex interplay between U.S. Arms manufacturing, domestic gun laws, and the ongoing security challenges faced by Mexico. Further investigation and collaboration between the two countries will be crucial to addressing the root causes of this illicit arms flow and mitigating its devastating consequences.

What remains to be seen is the effectiveness of the new U.S.-Mexico initiative and the outcome of the ongoing legal battles. The Mexican government’s inquiry into the Lake City plant’s role is also expected to yield further insights. Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below.