Mike Hammer, the head of the U.S. diplomatic mission in Cuba, recently visited a young couple in Mayabeque. This visit is part of his initiative to engage directly with Cuban citizens who have reached out to him for face-to-face conversations. "A promise made is a promise kept!" announced the U.S. Embassy on Facebook, sharing a video of Hammer's meeting with artist Abel Lescay, a participant in the historic July 11 protests in Cuba, and his partner Katy.
The couple had emailed Hammer inviting him to witness their daily life. "We enjoyed sharing with them and hearing their stories, concerns, and dreams," stated the embassy. The video shows Hammer being warmly welcomed into a modest home and touring a small family-run artisanal workshop. The visit included an informal chat over coffee brewed with charcoal, where the diplomat acknowledged the warmth of Cubans and expressed a desire to explore beyond Havana.
“It's a bit challenging... I think some people aren't very pleased with me venturing out to meet others,” Hammer remarked, hinting at possible unease from certain elements within the Cuban regime towards his outreach efforts. This visit is part of a series of diplomatic gestures by Hammer, who has recently advocated for direct diplomacy with the Cuban populace, including spontaneous interactions like a viral domino game on a Havana street.
Hammer has emphasized that hundreds of Cubans have reached out to the Embassy, eager to engage in dialogue with him. Since early May, the diplomatic mission has opened a communication channel through email, encouraging citizens to propose meetings. Hammer's unconventional approach as a mission chief aims to build direct connections with the Cuban people, amidst a growing divide between the regime and a population stricken by economic and social crises.
Mayabeque: A Hub of Courage from July 11 to Mike Hammer's Visit
The province of Mayabeque became a focal point of repression following the peaceful protests of July 11, 2021, in Cuba, with several young individuals facing harsh prison sentences for opposing the regime. Among them is musician and university student Abel Lescay, who was arrested in Bejucal and sentenced to six years for alleged crimes of contempt and public disorder.
Lescay admitted to verbally offending a police officer but argued that he had already been punished with a seven-day detention and that his action was an artistic expression in the form of rap. His case sparked a significant solidarity campaign both within Cuba and internationally.
Other notable figures in Mayabeque's repression include sisters María Cristina and Angélica Garrido, sentenced to seven and three years respectively for participating in the protests in Quivicán. They reported physical and psychological abuse in prison and are among the list of women imprisoned for political reasons on the island.
The brothers Jorge and Nadir Martín Perdomo from San José de las Lajas also received six and eight-year sentences for their involvement in the July 11 protests. Their mother, Marta Perdomo, has publicly condemned the trial's irregularities and the inhumane treatment her sons endured, including forced separation in prison and the presentation of witnesses without substantial evidence.
Sentences in Mayabeque have reached up to 20 years, as in the case of Maikel Puig Bergolla, charged with public disorder and attempted murder without solid evidence, according to his family. Human rights organizations and the U.S. Embassy in Havana have denounced these sentences as unjust and based on false accusations.
The visit by the head of the U.S. diplomatic mission to a young couple in Mayabeque occurs against this backdrop of repression, aiming to foster direct connections with the Cuban populace.
Questions About U.S.-Cuba Diplomatic Engagement
What is the significance of Mike Hammer's visit to Mayabeque?
Mike Hammer's visit to Mayabeque signifies an effort to engage directly with the Cuban people, especially those affected by the regime's repression, and to understand their daily realities and concerns.
Why are the July 11 protests significant in Cuba?
The July 11 protests in Cuba were significant as they represented a large-scale public demonstration against the government, highlighting widespread discontent and the demand for change amidst economic and social challenges.
How has the U.S. Embassy in Havana responded to the repression following the July 11 protests?
The U.S. Embassy in Havana has condemned the harsh sentences and alleged injustices faced by the protesters, emphasizing the importance of human rights and direct engagement with the Cuban people.