TEGUCIGALPA, HONDURAS
After several days in the hospital, the well-known Honduran businessman and banker Jorge Bueso Arias died this Monday, September 18, at the age of 104.
Relatives confirmed to Diario LA PRENSA that the businessman died of pneumonia in a private hospital in Tegucigalpa, where he had been hospitalized since Monday, September 11.
Jorge Bueso Arias dedicated much of his life to Honduran banking. On September 14th he celebrated his 104th birthday in the hospital.
He has a long, internationally recognized career and extensive experience in government and private banking.
He was the founder of the Bank of the West, SA, and also Minister of Economy and Finance in the government of Ramón Villeda Morales, where he promoted the Central American integration program.
Don Jorge was a member of the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Honduras and the National Development Bank and coordinator of the Special Commission for the Reform of the Application of Law in Honduras.
In 1971 he was the Liberal Party’s presidential candidate. He lost the elections against the nationalist Ramón Ernesto Cruz. Some analysts believe Honduras has lost a great president, but Bueso Arias was always there when the country needed qualified votes.
He was an ardent supporter of democratic principles, transparency and tolerance and was in many cases an unpleasant voice for the Presidents of the Republic.
He studied at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, USA, where he graduated in business administration in 1941.
Former President of the Honduran Council of Private Enterprise (Cohep), Juan Carlos Sikaffy, stressed that the example left by Mr. Jorge Bueso Arias as a good Honduran, businessman, banker and politician “is what we must highlight.”
“Today Honduras is in mourning. May Don Jorge Bueso Arias rest in peace, he leaves us an impressive legacy and an example for all. My deepest condolences go out to the Bueso family,” he wrote. Jorge Faraj, former President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Cortés (CCIC).
Selma Estrada, leader of the Liberal Party, stressed: “How do you describe a person who was a great Honduran?” Mr. Jorge Bueso Arias has died. Clear in ideas, financial and political innovator. Honduras has lost an extraordinary president. Employees at countless charities. Rest in peace. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and the Liberal Party.”
