Letters, politics, arts, sports, activism. This year, mourning traveled through various spaces, where outstanding Peruvians left for –we trust– a better world. During his life they took it upon themselves to leave a great legacy, such as that of Bernardo Roca Rey, founder of this newspaper, a tireless idealist and dreamer who always worked to improve the trade and defend freedom of expression. Great is the fence that he has put up for us.
Likewise, other names that departed only remind us of the fragility of life and the importance of sowing a good memory. From this space we also stand in solidarity with the Peruvians who lost their relatives during the recent demonstrations in the interior of the country. Having justice and adequate reparations will serve to ease the pain a bit.
BERNARDO ROCK KING, journalist (1944- 03/15/22). Tireless and a dreamer, as well as a defender of democracy and freedom, Bernardo will be greatly missed. Journalism, gastronomy and culture will feel the emptiness of it.
DIEGO BERTIE, Actor (1967-5/08/22). Tragic was the morning we learned of his departure. Even so, his smile and voice allow us to have him close.
MARTHA HILDEBRANDT, linguist (1925-8/12/22). Tenacious defender of cultured speech. Martha also marked a stage in politics: she was the second woman to preside over Congress.
DORIS BAYLY LETTS, poet and journalist (1962- 02/17/22). A brilliant and cultured woman. A chronicler and poet who also left her art in two moving collections of poems.
Etty Elkin, actress (02/05/22). Her participation in Natacha and Sparrow marked an era on Peruvian television.
ORLANDO ‘CHITO’ THE TOWER, footballer (1943-08/24/22). Iron defender who left the name of Peruvian soccer at the top.
Manuel Miranda, Musician (1960-07/02/22). A virtuoso instrumentalist, he added curiosity to his tireless search for sounds.
Martina Portocarrero, singer (1949-04/22/22). Folkloric and cultural researcher, she inherits musical successes from the Andean culture.
FRANCISCO SOBERÓN (1948-7/10/22). An undisputed defender of human rights, Pancho was the executive director of Aprodeh for many years.
MARIO HUAMAN, union leader (1958-11/13/22). Born among the worker quarries, he was general secretary of the CGTP.
WALTHER LOZADA, MUSICIAN (1961-07/25/22). Peruvian cumbia owes a lot to Walther, leader and founder of the group Armonía 10.
THOSE KILLED BY VIOLENCE
PAIN. In recent days, the country has been hit by hosts of hate that – unlike the legitimate protesters – have managed to sow chaos. The balance has been appalling: 22 deaths in clashes and 6 from related events. A chapter of blood that should have been avoided. It should also be remembered that, in the middle of the year, a fierce confrontation between illegal miners in Arequipa caused the death of 14 people. Social violence that must end.