Lis Cuesta, the wife of Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, has publicly castigated Mike Hammer, describing him as both shameless and unhappy. This criticism aligns with the ongoing smear campaign by the Cuban regime against the American official. On her X account, Cuesta remarked on Sunday, "This shameless individual is just pitiful... you must be very unhappy to play such a sad role, not even worthy of being considered a formidable enemy. It's disgusting to deal with such beings." She concluded her derogatory remarks towards the head of the U.S. mission in Cuba with the phrase, "Patria o muerte, venceremos."
In her post, she referenced a statement from Johana Tablada, the Deputy Director General of the Directorate of United States at the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX), which criticized Hammer following his press conference in Miami with American media. Tablada accused Hammer of lying about the failure of the revolution, highlighting issues like “electricity shortages, fuel scarcity, and the lack of food and medicine,” while denying any U.S. policy involvement.
Accusations Against Mike Hammer
As is common in the regime's narrative, Tablada did not accept any responsibility for the ongoing crisis on the island, labeling the diplomat's statements as false. She further accused Hammer of interference due to his recent tours across the island to understand the everyday realities of Cubans and his meetings with opposition figures and civil society members.
Hammer's Observations in Cuba
Last Friday, during his time in Miami, Hammer stated that dissatisfaction among Cuban citizens is widespread and asserted that “the vast majority” perceive “the Revolution as a failure.” Since his appointment, Hammer has traveled to every province in the country, painting a bleak picture during his press conferences about his visits, which include meetings with civil society representatives and activists under heavy police surveillance.
Hammer emphasized the severe shortages, stating, “There is no electricity; you see the blackouts; there is a lack of fuel, food, and medicine. And people recognize that the Cuban regime is responsible. It has nothing to do with any U.S. policy.” The diplomat highlighted that his mission is to listen directly to the Cuban people, including those traditionally aligned with the state apparatus. Despite the surveillance he's faced, he remains committed to continuing his visits.
Regime's Reaction to U.S. Diplomatic Activities
Due to Hammer's active schedule of meetings with civil society actors, the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned U.S. diplomats three times to express their “strong protest” against what they consider acts of “interference.”
Insights into U.S.-Cuba Diplomatic Tensions
What did Lis Cuesta say about Mike Hammer?
Lis Cuesta called Mike Hammer shameless and unhappy, criticizing him for playing what she described as a sad role.
Why did Johana Tablada criticize Mike Hammer?
Johana Tablada accused Mike Hammer of lying about the failures of the Cuban revolution and denied that U.S. policies are involved in the country's shortages.
What did Mike Hammer observe during his visits to Cuba?
Mike Hammer observed widespread dissatisfaction among Cubans, citing severe shortages of electricity, fuel, food, and medicine, attributing these issues to the Cuban regime.