Tomas Borge Dies in Nicaragua at 81

HAVANA TIMES, May 1 — Tomás Borge, 81, the only living founder of what is now the governing Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) died on Monday night at the Alejandro Dávila Bolaños Military Hospital in Managua where he had been in intensive care for weeks under treatment for lung cancer.

The announcement was made by the first lady and chief government spokesperson, Rosario Murillo. She said “Tomas has concluded a revolutionary life at the service of the people,” as he “passes on to immortality.”

El Nuevo Diario reported that “they are preparing a mass homage at the Mausoleum of Commander Carlos Fonseca (also a founder of the FSLN) at the Plaza of the Revolution and will no doubt decree three days of national mourning.”

At the time of his death Borge held two posts, one as Nicaraguan ambassador to Peru and the other a member of the National Assembly.