Abel Prieto, a former Minister of Culture, is to replace poet and essayist Roberto Fernández Retamar, who died July 20 and served as president of the institution from 1986 until his death. A disciple of Fernández Retamar, Prieto, speaking with the staff, recalled Roberto’s immense work as head of the institution, as well as the important legacy of Haydee Santamaría, founder and “inventor” of the Casa.

Marcia Leiseca, a founder of the Casa, along with Haydee, who has served as first vice president for several decades, was released from her responsibilities and will begin the transition process that will be led by Maria Elena Salgado, first deputy minister of Culture.

(Granma)