In a display of its most absurd and propagandistic tendencies, the Cuban government has chosen to officially honor a state official for orchestrating a crude harassment operation against the U.S. diplomatic mission chief in Cuba, Mike Hammer. Lyzett Castro Toledo, deputy director of the state-run company Cítricos Caribe S.A., was recognized for her pivotal role in the staged event on the popular Regla ferry.
The incident, meticulously planned by plainclothes State Security agents, took place during Hammer's visit when the diplomat opted to take public transport to attend mass in Regla, embracing his approachable style. The setup was embarrassingly transparent: Castro Toledo, posing as an ordinary citizen, aggressively approached Hammer to "speak the truth" while another individual recorded the interaction on a phone, and regime agents pretended to be spontaneous passengers.
The attempt to turn the scene into a "repudiation act" utterly failed as none of the witnesses joined the spectacle, leaving the propaganda stunt glaringly exposed for its artificiality.
However, the farce continued when the Administration Council of the Plaza de la Revolución municipality proudly announced the tribute to Castro Toledo on Facebook, boasting that she "faced him directly and told him the truths that Mike Hammer deserved." Roilan Rodríguez Barbán, a high-ranking Party official in the area, praised the official who was essentially used as a political extra.
The public's reaction to the absurd accolade was swift. On the CAM's post, a freelancer questioned the priorities, asking, "Aren't there more important issues to address? I doubt Mike Hammer matters more to the residents than all our problems." Others mocked the theatrical nature of the act: "The expressions on their faces are priceless. What a mess they've gotten those people into," or "Did they give her a Panda TV?" a Havana mother sarcastically commented.
From Miami, a Cuban summed up the sentiment: "Clearly, you've lost your sense of shame." While the regime applauds its circus, Ambassador Hammer responded with poise.
In a video released by the U.S. Embassy, he calmly recounted the incident and reaffirmed his commitment to grassroots diplomacy rather than office politics. "That's what I aim to do: travel the country, listen to diverse opinions from the Cuban people, and engage with them," he stated. His response, steadfast and devoid of confrontation, defused the provocation attempt with a lesson in composure and authenticity.
Since arriving in Havana in November 2024, Hammer has consistently advocated for engagement with Cuban civil society, causing evident discomfort among the upper echelons of power. His willingness to meet with activists, religious leaders, and ordinary citizens has triggered a wave of official harassment.
Unable to control its narrative against direct diplomatic engagement with the populace, the regime has resorted to discrediting campaigns, threats, and setups like the Regla ferry incident.
Meanwhile, the protagonist of the regrettable spectacle, Lyzett Castro Toledo, has deleted her social media profile, although evidence of her involvement and her role as a director of the state export company continues to circulate widely. A belated attempt to hide her participation in a propaganda operation that was not only unsuccessful but also shameful.
The tribute to Castro Toledo, rather than bolstering the regime's narrative, further highlights the disconnect between Cuban bureaucracy and the populace's priorities. In a nation plagued by economic crises, blackouts, shortages, and mass migration, authorities celebrate an official for confronting a foreign diplomat. A grotesque gesture that starkly portrays the political decay of a system that can no longer hide its failures.
While Cubans continue demanding real solutions to their daily struggles, Mike Hammer, with his presence in the streets, churches, and among the people, presents a radically different image: one of diplomacy unafraid to listen, committed to mutual respect, and, through actions, demonstrating closer ties to the Cuban people than the regime's own officials.
Key Questions on the Cuban Government's Actions
Why did the Cuban government honor Lyzett Castro Toledo?
The Cuban government honored Lyzett Castro Toledo for her role in a staged harassment operation against U.S. diplomat Mike Hammer on the Regla ferry, which was intended as a propaganda act.
How did the public react to the tribute for Castro Toledo?
The public responded critically to the tribute, questioning the government's priorities and mocking the theatrical nature of the event.
What was Mike Hammer's response to the incident?
Mike Hammer responded with calmness and reaffirmed his commitment to grassroots diplomacy, aiming to engage with the Cuban people directly.