Miguel Cocco, in a 2007 interview with DT editor Jorge Pineda.
SANTO DOMINGO.- Dominican Customs chief Miguel Cocco passed away Wednesday morning in Santo Domingo’s Cedimat medical center, local media reports.
The official reportedly died from the respiratory ailments and the removal of a kidney, which caused his hospitalization since May 3.
On Tuesday the Cedimat medical team had subjected Cocco to a tracheotomy to ease his respiration, after which it reported a slight improvement in the former Dominican leftist leader’s health.
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From: United States, Richmond, Texas
One thing is for sure, he is in a better place now.
Written by: Bailarin 
, 20 May 2009 10:06 AM
From: Dominican Republic
R u sho Texas Hoe? I wonder if he recieved Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour in the midst of such a corrupt system ?
From: United States
We lost a great man.
Written by: Cacique, 20 May 2009 10:10 AM
From: Dominican Republic
We have lost a good Dominican. Condolences to his relatives.
From: United States, Richmond, Texas
Bailarin,
Only he knows what was in his heart.
Written by: generoso, 20 May 2009 10:16 AM
From: United States, Santo Domingo
Coquito, as he was called by his classmates and intimate friends will be missed.
His short physical stature disguised the enormity of his soul's giant status as a compassionate man.
His accomplishments as a government minister will shine like beacons of light for many years.
Hasta luego, compadre, que Dios te otorgue el premio que mereces.
Written by: Bailarin , 20 May 2009 10:17 AM
From: Dominican Republic
And the LORD, my friend !
Written by: generoso, 20 May 2009 10:23 AM
From: United States, Santo Domingo
Bailarin
Miguel was not addictive to adoration of ancient literature, and you could probably describe him as being "unaffiliated". Your "below the belt attempt" at religious righteousness is a cheap shot.
Written by: Bailarin , 20 May 2009 10:25 AM
From: Dominican Republic
Generoso , do you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour ? If Not, I suggest you dont leave home without Him !
Written by: generoso, 20 May 2009 10:30 AM
From: United States, Santo Domingo
Bailarin
The topic here is Miguel Cocco's passing away, have you no shame left?
Written by: juanb, 20 May 2009 10:51 AM
From: Dominican Republic
An honest, good, and gentle man. He will be greatly missed.
Written by: Gringo_1, 20 May 2009 10:58 AM
From: Dominican Republic, Maimon (Bonao)
I had personal dealings with this man. He was a shining example of what should be. My condolences to the family and friends.
Written by: Juango, 20 May 2009 11:11 AM
From: United States, far S. Florida (formerly Santo Domingo)
RIP, Mr Miguel Cocco. You did well. My sincerest sympathies to his families for their loss.
From: United States
RIP Miguel. The flood gates of corruption will now open at Customs. Just when things were getting better.
Written by: Bailarin , 20 May 2009 12:21 PM
From: Dominican Republic
Generoso I have no shame right !
From: United States, Yonkers, NY
My condolences to his family and friends.
Written by: Vivacuba, 20 May 2009 12:52 PM
From: Dominican Republic
May he rest in peace. I am sure he did good for his staff and the all the people he helped and came in contact with. Bless him.
From: United States, Reality Check
One of the few great & honest Dominican officials in a very corrupt RD Gov. This is a great loss for the Dominican people and society. If anyone in the RD Gov exemplified the spirit of Christ and keeping the greatest commandment "loving your neighbor as yourself" then it was Miquel Cocco, just to set the record straight. He spoke out against RD corruption overall & weeded-out corruption within his DGA and always seem to work for the betterment of Dominican society (not stealing from them as other RD Gov officials did).
Written by: Bailarin , 20 May 2009 1:24 PM
From: Dominican Republic
If that is the absolute truth J.D , its amazing how the man lasted so long in his position without being crucified, exiled or stoned to death .
From: Netherlands
This news makes me very sad. About the last oficial in the PLD that who carried the ideals and the values of the founders of the PLD. May he rest in peace.
Written by: josean, 20 May 2009 1:44 PM
From: United States
I guess his heart could not take Lie-onel's sell out to Miguel Vargas! May Juan Bosch forgive you for remaing in the corrupt Lie-onel Fernadez's PLD for so long!
Written by: ny4life, 20 May 2009 1:59 PM
From: United States, New York, NY
My Deepest Sympathies for the Cocco Family. The Dominican Republic has lost a wonderful man and a great leader!
Que Dios lo tenga en la gloria!
Que Viva Quisqueya la bella!
From: Dominican Republic, la Romana
I read two days ago here in the DR that he was improving greatly and the medical staff were very optimistic of a recovery ,,in fact that story is still online ...he leaves behind him a great example of how a Dominican department can be turned around quickly by strong and honest leadership ....Rest eternal O Lord and let light perpetual shine upon him
Written by: anthonyC, 20 May 2009 4:44 PM
From: United States
Bailarin,
I know Jesus. He is from El Salvador and he cuts my grass. I had no clue his last name was Christ.
Sad news about Cocco. he was a good man.
Written by: josean, 20 May 2009 4:46 PM
From: United States
In DR you must remember not believe anything of what you read and half of what you see!
From: United States, Fresh Water Paradise-NY Finger Lakes
Mr. Cocco was a good family friend [my father's]. He was an honorable man who will be sadly missed by all who met him.
May the doors of heaven await his arrival wide open.
May a great human being and Dominican rest forever in peace.
Don Miguel, you've set a great example for a people who really needed it. I just hope they will honor your memory by following in your footsteps. Your generation was so gifted with so many honest and great people. Sadly, the generations that followed have lost those values, and honorable men of Dominican persuasion are increasingly difficult to find.
A job well done......you've earned our respect. Please rest in eternal peace.
From: United States, Fresh Water Paradise-NY Finger Lakes
Generoso,
We had our differences in the past regarding Mr. Cocco and your experiences with importation of personal vehicles and associated exorbitant costs.
I am moved by your kind comments and impressed. It really takes a great man to put aside past differences and make such kind comments about the passing of an esteemed man. I commend you for that. I guess you must be an honorable and conscientious man as well. We certainly need more people with such positive attributes.
Written by: Pepe32, 20 May 2009 10:33 PM
From: Dominican Republic
qepd
Written by: 2001DUCK, 20 May 2009 10:45 PM
From: United States
it is so refreshing to read the wonderful comments and praise of this man.i have been living in the dominican for 15 years and have listened to all the negative comments about the corruption that exists in the dominican.i have listened to all the negative comments about many politicians.i myself as a businessman have been subjected to many of the unethical business practices,and many politicians that are experts in putting their hands out,but when it is time to help those who are most needyi t seems their hands are glued to their pockets.i know its asking a lot,but it is time to honor this man and many others who have tried to do their best..hopefully,if we begin slowly,maybe we will be able to change the culture that is hurting so many dominican people.
Written by: generoso, 21 May 2009 3:09 PM
From: United States, Santo Domingo
glomaxexplorer
My differences with Miguel were just "business" and had nothing to do with the personal affection,
that we had for each other.
Thank you for your kind remarks,
G
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Only he knows what was in his heart.
His short physical stature disguised the enormity of his soul's giant status as a compassionate man.
His accomplishments as a government minister will shine like beacons of light for many years.
Hasta luego, compadre, que Dios te otorgue el premio que mereces.
Miguel was not addictive to adoration of ancient literature, and you could probably describe him as being "unaffiliated". Your "below the belt attempt" at religious righteousness is a cheap shot.
The topic here is Miguel Cocco's passing away, have you no shame left?
Que Dios lo tenga en la gloria!
Que Viva Quisqueya la bella!
I know Jesus. He is from El Salvador and he cuts my grass. I had no clue his last name was Christ.
Sad news about Cocco. he was a good man.
May the doors of heaven await his arrival wide open.
May a great human being and Dominican rest forever in peace.
Don Miguel, you've set a great example for a people who really needed it. I just hope they will honor your memory by following in your footsteps. Your generation was so gifted with so many honest and great people. Sadly, the generations that followed have lost those values, and honorable men of Dominican persuasion are increasingly difficult to find.
A job well done......you've earned our respect. Please rest in eternal peace.
We had our differences in the past regarding Mr. Cocco and your experiences with importation of personal vehicles and associated exorbitant costs.
I am moved by your kind comments and impressed. It really takes a great man to put aside past differences and make such kind comments about the passing of an esteemed man. I commend you for that. I guess you must be an honorable and conscientious man as well. We certainly need more people with such positive attributes.
My differences with Miguel were just "business" and had nothing to do with the personal affection,
that we had for each other.
Thank you for your kind remarks,
G