Zenaida Romeu, director of the Camerata Romeu Orchestra, said the recreational options that the tourism industry offers is often deplorable. Cuba is much more than what we currently show the world. We are profound and different, our tradition is very rich, and it is a matter o urgency to stop the simplicity in the cultural offerings. We need to find new distinctive spaces in the country that arent just the Tropicana cabaret.

On the same subject musicians Juan Formell and Alvaro Collado said that the singers and groups at the concerts often lack quality which contradicts the musical history of the country. The practice of contracting artists without training leads to a loss of jobs for the most representative of Cuban music. It also means the closing of many cultural spaces that constitute a tradition, the two artists concurred.

Trumpet player Yasek Manzano said that the artistic potential of many young people is lost as a consequence of the limited venues to present their music.

In reference to the comedy presentations at night clubs, actor Octavio Rodriguez said the absence of artistic directors has led to aggressiveness towards the audience. This he said includes disrespect for the performance times, poor attire, bad taste and crude jokes. "The Ministry of Tourism and UNEAC should reflect on the dignity of Cuban humor, which is also a weapon of the revolution."

Moraima Clavijo, director of the National Fine Arts Museum, warned of the deterioration of the works of art on exhibition in tourist installations and the architectural modifications of the hotels that are national patrimony.

The UNEAC Congress concludes on Friday April 4.

(Granma)