The Journalists’ Union of Cuba (UPEC) emerged on July 15, 1963 as an expression of the press professionals’ will to unite in defence of the Revolution.

Among UPEC’s aims is defending its nearly 3,000 members in the legal and ethical exercise of their profession, their right to have access to information sources and their work of providing information and guidance. This non-governmental organization has legal status and promotes the cultural, professional and technical upgrading of its members, encourages and supports the media’s assimilation of new technological advances, as well as the positive changes in social communication in general, especially in journalism.

UPEC’s main headquarters are located at its Press House on 23 Street, on the corner of I Street, in Havana’s Vedado district. It also comprises the Pablo de la Torriente Brau Publishing House for the publication of texts on journalism, the José Martí International Institute of Journalism - for professional upgrading - the Press Information Center, and the Press Houses in all the country’s provincial capitals and the Isle of Youth.

Its members are organized in delegations –made up of more than four members- in the press media, as well as in the provincial agencies and branches, such as the Cuban Institute of Radio and Television (ICRT). Many of UPEC’s members are linked to journalists’ clubs and associations, according to their professional specialization and their specific press organs.(February/ 2004)

(Taken from: Cubasí)