Fernando Bravo James
Fernando Bravo James ([fernan’do ‘braßo xa’mes] Spanish pronunciation)(1912–1962) was a Bolivian politician and militant of POR (Partido Obrero Revolucionario–Revolutionary Workers' Party), a Trotskyist organization. He was an economist, senior lecturer at the Universidad Técnica de Oruro (UTO) and at the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés (UMSA), trade union leader and educator. He was a tireless fighter for the cause of the proletariat and the youth. Biography The man The father of Fernando Bravo James, doctor Zacarías Bravo Miranda, was one of the doctors who graduated from the first class of the Potosí medical school at the "Universidad Tomás Frías", founded in 1892. Fernando's mother, María James Revilla, was born in Potosí. The surname James comes from Maria's father, Benjamín James, who was of Irish origin. The couple had five children: Carmela, Sofía, Fernando, Gaby and María Luisa Bravo James. The siblings on the fathers genealogy were an older brother Esteban Bravo and on the mother's side, one younger sister and brother, Betty and Jorge López James. Bravo James did his primary studies at the "Colegio Nacional Pichincha" in Potosí. He continued his studies at the American Institute of La Paz where he graduated from high school. Fernando had many qualities: he was easy to deal with and pleasant in his conversation. He had a melodious voice and enjoyed singing with his three daughters. He composed a libretto of revolutionary songs for his party the POR, based on well-known and popular melodies, to which he wrote the lyrics. "Those who knew him perfectly remember his eternal state of cordial serenity", writes Jaime Amonzabel. "Bravo James never adopted poses, much less contemptuous self-sufficiency toward his interlocutor. This transcendent simplicity of human affection, toward those who approached him, accompanied him throughout his life." Lucha Obrera points out Fernando's "value as an intellectual and his dynamic and rich activity amidst the masses". Fernando Bravo "was above all a Trotskyist militant. His personality was fused with the organization, the revolutionary process, the flesh and bones of the workers, as he used to say." Fernando Bravo James dedicated his life to his political ideals and he did so consistently. Elsa Cladera de Bravo testifies: "He never compromised with his principles. He fought without hesitation, unyieldingly … he was like steel that breaks and does not bend. He had a clear concept of his duty." Joining the POR Bravo James "belonged to the generation that witnessed and participated in the Chaco War [1932–1935]. His spirit was shaken by the war promoted by imperialism. While still very young, on his return from the Chaco region he joined the political currents that sought an explanation and a solution to the problems of Bolivia." After his participation in that war against Paraguay, he moved to the La Joya mining site and "soon joined the nascent mining workers’ movement." It was in Oruro, that Bravo joined the POR in the 1940s, remaining active in the Trotskyist party until his death. "Indefatigable for more than 25 years, Comrade Fernando Bravo, as a