# José Miyar Barrueco (Chomy) Passed Away

**Date:** 01/20/2023

In the early hours of today, at the age of 90, Doctor José Miguel Miyar Barrueco, known familiarly as Chomy, passed away in this capital.

He was born on August 3, 1932 in Siboney, Santiago de Cuba; he was a fighter in the underground struggle and in the Rebel Army in Column 1; he graduated as a Doctor of Medicine from the University of La Habana in 1959. He directed the Rural Medical Service in Cuba. He participated in the actions at Playa Girón; he served as Vice Minister of Public Health between 1965 and 1966, Rector of the University of La Habana for a period of six fruitful and transformative years. Chomy was the General Director of the National Citrus Program from 1973 to 1976.

Starting in 1980, he held the position of Secretary of the Council of State replacing Celia Sánchez Manduley, who held that responsibility at the time of her death. New and very important tasks were assigned to Chomy by Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz in his capacity as personal aide 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, 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 academic recognitions. He was Minister of Science, Technology and the Environment between 2009 and 2012.

He held the status of Founder of the Communist Party of Cuba, member of the Party's Central Committee and Deputy to the National Assembly of People's Power. He received numerous decorations for the important services rendered to the homeland, among them 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 thirty years to the direct service of the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, from whom he earned his unlimited trust and the admiration and affection of those who knew him.

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