Juan Bosch, one of the foremost Dominican politicians and humanists of all time, died yesterday at 3:40 am due to pulmonary difficulties. He had been sick for many months and died in his sleep at the Abel Gonzalez Advanced Medicine Center. Bosch is also recognized as one of the most talented Latin American writers and is best known for his novel, “La Mañosa,” and various short stories. He was the founder of the ruling PRD and the PLD political parties which have both attained power over the years. His hand-picked successor, Leonel Fernandez, won the 1996-2000 presidency. His political career was marked by polemics and many years in exile. He was elected President with 60% of the votes, and was in office from 27 February 1963 to 25 September 1963 when ousted by a military coup. He is remembered as an honest politician, having started his presidency living in a rented house and ending his short term the same way. President Hipolito Mejia has declared three days of mourning. Yesterday a wake was held at the headquarters of the PLD on Av. Independencia. Today, presidential honors will be held at the National Palace. Bosch will be buried in the cemetery of his hometown of La Vega at 5 pm. He is survived by his wife Carmen Quidiello, his two sons Patricio and Barbara, and two children from a previous marriage, Carolina and Leon. His niece, Milagros Ortiz Bosch, is Vice President of the nation.
