Cuban Artists and Writers Gear up to their Congress, its members are currently holding debates and evaluation of their achievements and what is still to be done to further boost cultural development.

The vice-president of the Congress organizing committee, writer Miguel Barnet told reporters in Havana that the event will count on the participation of representative figures in the field of culture. Barnet, who is National Literature Laureate, presided over a UNEAC meeting in the province of Matanzas, where intellectuals exchanged on the strengthening of cultural community work, the need for a larger presence of writers and artists in the media, and the improvement of economic legislation in the culture sector.

In Matanzas, UNEAC members called for the implementation of agreements reached between the Ministries of Culture and Tourism to offer visitors at the Varadero tourist resort a sample of Cuban culture, with artistic rigour and high quality.

"We do not need to create a culture for tourism, culture is already there," participants agreed. The meeting was attended by National Literature Prizes Carilda Olivera, Nancy Morejon and Graciela Pogolotti.

(www.cubanow.net)