José Miyar Barruecos, Next to Fidel and Eusebio  

Havana, Jan 20 (RHC) this morning, Dr. José Miguel Miyar Barruecos, Chomy, passed away in Havana at the age of 90. 

Born on August 3, 1932, in Siboney, Santiago de Cuba, he was a combatant in the clandestine struggle and the Rebel Army in Column 1. He studied Medicine at the University of Havana and after the triumph of the Revolution directed the Rural Medical Service in Cuba.

He participated in the actions of Playa Girón, served as Vice Minister of Public Health between 1965 and 1966, and Rector of the University of Havana for a period of six fruitful and transforming years. Chomy was the General Director of the National Citrus Program from 1973 to 1976.

In 1980, he became Secretary of the Council of State, replacing Celia Sánchez Manduley, who held that position at the time of her death.

New and very important tasks were assigned to Chomy by Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz as his assistant until 2009.

He was the Coordinator of the Western Scientific Pole of the capital from its creation until 2012. He was assigned responsibilities in the development of Biotechnology, and the creation and operation of the Latin American School of Medicine, an institution that awarded him the title of Doctor Honoris Causa.

He also received other teaching awards. He was head of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Environment between 2009 and 2012.

He was the Founder of the Communist Party of Cuba, a member of the Central Committee of the Party, and Deputy to the National Assembly of People's Power.

He received numerous decorations for important services rendered to the homeland, including the Honorary Title of Hero of Labor of the Republic of Cuba in 2012.

With proverbial modesty, nobility, and simplicity he devoted himself for more than 30 years to the direct service of the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, from whom he earned the unlimited trust and the admiration and affection of those who knew him.

He treasured with zeal a valuable graphic and written testimony, particularly on the thought, life, and work of Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, and as a result of his constancy and full dedication to work, he leaves a contribution of extraordinary significance for posterity.