ARSHT PARKING

REMEMBERING BENES

I had the privilege to know, work with and be a friend of Bernardo Benes, who died on Jan. 14.

At times misunderstood, like when he obtained freedom for Cuban political prisoners and sought changes to facilitate the democratization of the Cuban regime, Bernardo was a leader committed to achieve the best for Cuba and the U.S. community that adopted him. He stood for what was right regardless of the consequences.

Bernardo’s contributions to our community were significant. As an entrepreneur, he created in the 1960s a financial institution that helped hundreds of Cuban exiles initiate their own business and economically survive, an effort he continued throughout his career as a Miami banker.

As a well-known civic leader, he used his influence to direct United Way’s attention to the needs of new arrivals and minority communities. In the 1970s, he lead the Greater Miami Hispanic Coalition fighting against discrimination and pressuring local governments to offer bilingual services.

He was an exceptionally bright man, with strong values, a great heart, and a wonderful friend. Thank you Bernardo, we are going to miss you a lot.

– Jose R. Fox, Coral Gables

On Jan. 12, we went to the Pinchas Zukerman concert at the Adrianne Arsht Center for the Performing