Bernadito M "Ben" Leito was a Curacaoan economist, politician and administrator.
10 Facts About Ben Leito
1.
2.
Ben Leito served as Governor of the Netherlands Antilles from 1970 until 1983, and the Dutch Council of State from 1987 until 1993.
3.
Ben Leito went to the Netherlands to attend the Hogere Burgerschool in Leiden.
4.
In 1952, Leito became a civil servant in Curacao, and started to work for the finance department in 1953.
5.
Ben Leito was a candidate in the 1954 Netherlands Antilles general election for the Catholic People's Party, but did not get elected.
6.
The States General of the Netherlands nominated Efrain Jonckheer as new governor, however the Estates of the Netherlands Antilles rejected the nomination, and Ben Leito was installed as Governor of the Netherlands Antilles effective 16 June 1970.
7.
Ben Leito was opposed to independence for the islands, and provided backing for the Isa-Beaujon and Evertsz cabinets in their denouncement.
8.
In 1980, Ben Leito applied to become a member of the Council of State, the advisory body for the Dutch government, however his application was rejected.
9.
In March 1983, Ben Leito resigned as governor effective 30 April.
10.
On 1 March 1987, Ben Leito was appointed to the Council of State, and served until 6 February 1993.