In a significant development, Dr. Ian Roberts, the former superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, has had his professional license revoked by the Iowa Department of Education. This decision follows his detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on allegations of being in the country illegally. The Bureau of Educational Examiners confirmed the revocation on Monday, effectively ending his tenure as superintendent. Dr. Roberts, who was born in Guyana and raised in Brooklyn, New York, had been placed on administrative leave by the Des Moines Public School board just one day prior. ICE officials claim that Roberts entered the U.S. on a student visa in 1999 but was subject to a final removal order issued in 2024. The case has sparked widespread attention, raising questions about immigration policies and their impact on public sector professionals.
标签： Guyana
圭亚那
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Repairs to Paruima Airstrip to be completed within two months – Edghill
The Paruima airstrip in Upper Mazaruni, Region Seven, is on track to reopen within the next two months following extensive repairs, as announced by Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill. The airstrip, which underwent a significant upgrade from a grass patch to a durable all-weather concrete strip, was temporarily closed due to surface defects identified shortly after its completion. The contractor, International Import and Supplies, was mandated to address these issues at its own expense. Notably, the contractor has exceeded expectations by not only rectifying the defects but also adding a new layer of stone to enhance durability. This upgrade is anticipated to significantly improve connectivity and development for the Amerindian village of Paruima, which has historically faced challenges due to adverse weather conditions. The opposition Alliance For Change (AFC) had previously raised concerns about the airstrip’s quality after an incident where a plane’s wheel became stuck, requiring manual intervention to move the aircraft. In addition to the Paruima project, the Ministry of Public Works is advancing similar upgrades on other airstrips in Region Seven, including Eteringbang, Karisparu, and Ekereku Bottom, to bolster hinterland transport and accessibility.
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CJIA police arrested for demanding money from passenger
In a significant development at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Guyana, police officers were arrested on Sunday, September 28, 2025, for allegedly demanding money from a passenger in exchange for releasing her belongings. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) confirmed the incident, citing Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) footage and other evidence that substantiate the claims. The implicated officers have been placed under close arrest pending a thorough investigation by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR).
In response to this incident, the Guyana government has mandated that all law enforcement officers stationed at ports of entry, including airports and border points, must wear body cameras starting Monday, September 29, 2025. This measure aims to bolster accountability and transparency within the force. The GPF reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on corruption, emphasizing that any officer found guilty of extortion or bribery will face severe legal consequences.
The GPF also reminded the public that no payments are required to clear lawful items through CJIA or any other port. They urged individuals who encounter such demands to report the incident immediately to the nearest police authority. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges of corruption within law enforcement and highlights the government’s commitment to addressing such issues through stringent measures.
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U.S. preparing options for military strikes on drug targets inside Venezuela, sources say
The United States is reportedly preparing military options to target drug traffickers within Venezuela, according to multiple sources familiar with the discussions. The potential strikes, which could involve drone attacks on drug labs and key figures in trafficking networks, mark a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s campaign against illegal narcotics and its strained relations with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. While no final decisions have been made, the plans are being actively considered and could be implemented within weeks. The U.S. has already conducted strikes on Venezuelan boats suspected of carrying drugs, though evidence supporting these claims remains limited. President Donald Trump has emphasized his commitment to using all available resources to combat drug trafficking, accusing Maduro of failing to curb the flow of illegal substances from Venezuela. The administration has also increased pressure on Maduro, offering a $50 million reward for his arrest and exploring regime change as a potential objective. Despite diplomatic efforts involving intermediaries from Middle Eastern countries, tensions remain high. Critics warn that military action on Venezuelan soil could provoke severe diplomatic and political repercussions, including increased domestic support for Maduro. The U.S. has bolstered its military presence in the region, deploying ships, aircraft, and personnel, signaling its readiness to act. However, the long-term sustainability of such a deployment remains a concern. The situation underscores the complex interplay between drug enforcement, international diplomacy, and geopolitical strategy in U.S.-Venezuela relations.
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Antigua PM wants fight against drug trafficking in the Caribbean to be based on law and order
In a compelling address at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne emphasized the necessity of a law-based and cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking in the Caribbean Sea. Browne underscored the importance of clear legal authority, rules of engagement, and respect for sovereignty in interdiction efforts, while also expressing concern over the militarization of the region. He highlighted the potential risks posed by the build-up of military assets, including a nuclear submarine, and reiterated the Caribbean’s stance as a ‘zone of peace.’ Browne also addressed broader regional issues, including the U.S. embargo on Cuba, the ongoing crisis in Haiti, and the urgent need for climate action. He advocated for a just energy transition, fair carbon levies, and robust international financial reforms to support vulnerable nations. Additionally, Browne called for decisive global action against illegal fishing, plastic pollution, and seabed mining, emphasizing the Caribbean’s role as custodians of vast marine resources.
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NGO behind U.S. senators enquiry into ExxonMobil tax filings
A New York-based non-governmental organization, the Oil and Gas Governance Network (OGGN), has been credited with prompting three U.S. senators to investigate ExxonMobil’s tax practices in Guyana. The senators—Sheldon Whitehouse (Rhode Island), Chris Van Hollen (Maryland), and Jeff Merkley (Oregon)—raised concerns about potential misuse of American taxpayer funds, alleging that ExxonMobil may be exploiting tax loopholes to claim credits for taxes it did not pay in Guyana. The OGGN, led by Professor Kenrick Hunte and Mike Persaud, provided the senators with critical information that led to the inquiry. Dr. Vincent Adams, a former head of Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency, highlighted the NGO’s role in exposing what he described as a scheme where ExxonMobil allegedly uses fake Guyanese tax certificates to claim U.S. tax credits. The senators’ letter to ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods questions whether the company directly paid taxes in Guyana or if the Guyanese government covered these payments from its share of oil profits. The inquiry also examines ExxonMobil’s partnership with China’s state-owned CNOOC and its implications for U.S. tax liabilities. The senators have set a deadline of October 23, 2025, for ExxonMobil to respond to their seven detailed questions regarding its tax practices and the 2016 Production Agreement with Guyana. The investigation could have significant implications for U.S. tax policy, potentially saving taxpayers an estimated $71.5 billion over a decade by closing existing loopholes.