Havana - Luis Morlote Rivas, director of radio and television, is the new president of the National Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba, (UNEAC), replacing poet and author Miguel Barnet, who held that post for 11 years.

Upon his election by delegates attending the closing session of the Union’s 9th Congress on Sunday, Morlote thanked them for trusting in him and made a call to continue facing the organization’s challenges with optimism, collective work and a sense of belonging .

Marta Bonet was elected as UNEAC’s first Vice-President, while actress Corina Mestre, and journalists Magda Resik and Pedro de la Hoz, were chosen as vice presidents.

The Congress of the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba declared Miguel Barnet president of honor of the organization.

Barnet said he will continue working for the advancement of Cuban culture and the legacy of the historical leader of the revolution, Fidel Castro.

The congress also elected Alberto Marrero to preside the Union’s writers’ association, while Lesbia Vent Dumois will chair the association of visual arts; Orlando Vistel the musicians´ association ; Lourdes de los Santos will head the film-making, radio and television association; and Francisco González the association of performing arts.