Mike Hammer Responds to Regla Ferry Incident, Stands Firm Against Cuban Regime

The U.S. Ambassador to Havana, Mike Hammer, displayed diplomatic finesse and unwavering resolve in response to an incident orchestrated by State Security agents during his journey on the Regla ferry last Sunday. In a video shared by the U.S. Embassy in Cuba on their X account (formerly Twitter), Hammer recounted his Sunday itinerary, framed within the Pentecost celebration, and subtly addressed the attempted "act of repudiation" he experienced during the trip.

In his message, the diplomat explained his decision to take the well-known ferry connecting Old Havana with Regla to attend mass at the historic chapel of Our Lady of Regla, "a beautiful temple also revered as Yemayá, featuring a balcony once used by Father Félix Varela." Before boarding the ferry, Hammer mingled with fishermen and locals heading to mass. "It was a great chance to exchange views," he noted. The video's pivotal moment came when he calmly referenced the incident on the boat, without directly acknowledging the regime's setup.

"A woman approached, wanting to share her opinion, offering some criticism obviously directed at U.S. policy. Some say it was staged, I don't know. But what I want to do is travel the country, hear different perspectives from the Cuban people, and engage with them," the diplomat asserted.

With this statement, Hammer deliberately downplayed the orchestrated confrontation, where plainclothes agents heckled and recorded him as part of a propaganda maneuver that failed to involve the rest of the passengers. Rather than portraying himself as a victim or making direct accusations, Hammer used the opportunity to affirm his commitment to citizen engagement, making it clear that his presence on the island extends beyond official meetings to include the streets, neighborhoods, and temples where ordinary Cubans live and worship.

After describing his interactions, Hammer highlighted the mass at the Regla church, where he met with Father Castro and Vatican representatives. He also paid tribute to the Virgin of Regla, describing the day as "a beautiful day, a beautiful Sunday."

Heightened Tensions and Continued Diplomacy

Hammer's gesture comes a day after CiberCuba exclusively detailed the ferry incident, involving individuals identified as members of the regime's repressive apparatus. Even a uniformed agent from the National Revolutionary Police pretended to mediate to give the scene a veneer of spontaneity. This episode is part of an escalating campaign of harassment by the Cuban regime against the American diplomat, who has been summoned multiple times by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX) under accusations of "interference" and "provocative conduct."

Johana Tablada de la Torre, deputy director-general of the U.S. Directorate of MINREX, publicly warned him not to "mistake patience for weakness." Simultaneously, official media and State Security-controlled profiles have ramped up their discrediting campaign, accusing him of promoting destabilization and inciting the Cuban people against the government.

Unwavering Diplomacy

In his response on Monday, Hammer chose not to escalate the confrontation but made a key point clear: he will not cease his engagement with Cuban civil society. Rather than retreating, the State Department official emphasized that his diplomatic role involves listening to all voices — even critical ones — and being present in spaces where Cubans lead their daily lives.

Analysts have interpreted the ambassador's stance as a symbolic yet effective response: it's not about ignoring the provocation, but about exposing it without agitation, thereby neutralizing the regime's propagandistic attempt and reaffirming his commitment to a diplomacy focused on human rights, religious freedom, and engagement with the Cuban people.