Pedro Lizardo Garcés Escalona, the head of the La Rampa Popular Council, publicly criticized the United States Embassy in Havana for keeping part of its building lit during a Friday night blackout that affected much of the country. “Neighborhood folks. Today, May 23, 2025, at 11:30 p.m., Mr. Mike Hammer, the unworthy representative of the U.S. Embassy, where are you? It seems clear you have no blackout. So Mr. Mike, are you with the Cubans or not? Remember, I wrote to you and I am waiting. Is it possible? You decide,” he posted on Facebook.
The post was accompanied by several photos of the U.S. embassy building, located in the bustling Vedado district of Havana, showing the security lights on the exterior fence and a few illuminated offices. Despite the embassy being relatively dark, the few lights stood out against the backdrop of blackouts that plunged the surrounding area into darkness.
Amidst a National Energy Crisis
This criticism comes at a time when Cuba is experiencing a severe energy crisis, leading to blackouts lasting over 20 hours and increasing protests against the government, particularly in cities like Santiago de Cuba, Bayamo, and Cienfuegos. During these long outages, people have taken to the streets in darkness, banging pots to demand food, electricity, and immediate solutions from the regime.
The government has suppressed these peaceful protests, trying to hide the situation by cutting off internet services to prevent more Cubans from joining the demonstrations.
Invitation to Dialogue
Lizardo's reaction also seems to be a response to recent initiatives by the U.S. Embassy's head of mission, Mike Hammer, to engage with the Cuban public. Hammer extended an open invitation to citizens interested in meeting with him and has begun conversing with many individuals. He has held discussions with families of political prisoners, activists, and citizens eager to share their experiences and viewpoints. “I want to talk to anyone who wants to share their perspectives,” he stated in a video recorded on the island's streets a few weeks ago.
On Friday, Hammer declared from Miami that “the revolution has failed,” a statement that provoked a harsh response from the Cuban regime, accusing him of “lying” and “interfering” in the country's internal affairs.
Key Questions About Cuba's Energy Crisis and U.S. Relations
What prompted Pedro Lizardo Garcés Escalona's criticism of the U.S. Embassy?
Garcés Escalona criticized the U.S. Embassy for keeping its lights on during a widespread blackout in Cuba, questioning the embassy's solidarity with the Cuban people.
How has the Cuban government responded to recent protests?
The Cuban government has suppressed peaceful protests by cutting internet access to prevent more citizens from joining the demonstrations.
What has Mike Hammer done to engage with the Cuban population?
Mike Hammer has reached out to the Cuban public, inviting citizens to meet with him, and has engaged with families of political prisoners and activists to hear their perspectives.