Mike Hammer, the chargé d'affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Cuba, recently visited the towns of San Antonio de los Baños and Artemisa. During his visit, he engaged directly with the "average Cuban," emphasizing the importance of personal connections. "I had the chance to meet people who had recognized me through social media and contacted us previously via Facebook. These were enjoyable and valuable interactions that reinforce the significance I place on connecting directly with the people," Hammer shared in a video produced by the Embassy, which often irritates the Cuban regime.
Engaging with the Community
The video showcases the diplomat interacting with locals on the streets and participating in a meeting with young people in a Catholic church. "During the visit, I had an excellent exchange with energetic and committed young individuals who undoubtedly represent Cuba's future," Hammer remarked.
"The country is beautiful, but what I truly enjoy is sharing experiences. I want to hear anything you wish to share, including criticisms, because I come from a democracy. It's not perfect; we have our issues, but we respect freedom of opinion and thought," Hammer told the young attendees.
Symbolic Visits and Diplomatic Outreach
As part of his customary routine during visits to the island, Hammer paid homage at a plaza dedicated to José Martí and concluded the video with a quote from Martí: "Doing is the best way of saying." While the Cuban people continue to demand real solutions to their everyday struggles, Hammer's presence in public spaces, churches, and among the people presents an image of diplomacy unafraid to listen, committed to mutual respect, and demonstrably more in touch with the Cuban populace than the regime's own officials.
Contrasting Diplomatic Styles
Recently, in a display of propaganda, the Cuban regime officially honored a state official involved in a crude harassment operation against the U.S. mission's head. The charade was as clumsy as it was pathetic: a "common citizen"—now honored, Castro Toledo—aggressively approached the diplomat to "tell him the truths," while another recorded the scene on a cellphone, with regime agents pretending to be spontaneous passengers.
The attempt to stage the encounter as an "act of repudiation" failed entirely. No one present joined the spectacle, and the artificiality of the propaganda theater was laid bare. While the regime applauds the charade, Ambassador Hammer responded with poise.
In a video released by the U.S. Embassy, Hammer calmly recounted the incident and reiterated his commitment to street-level diplomacy, not confined to office desks. "That's what I want to do: travel across the country, listen to various opinions from the Cuban people, and share with them," he stated. His composed and confrontation-free response defused the provocation attempt, delivering a lesson in resilience and authenticity.
Understanding U.S.-Cuba Diplomatic Relations
What was the purpose of Mike Hammer's visit to San Antonio de los Baños?
Mike Hammer aimed to connect directly with the Cuban people, engaging in meaningful exchanges and reinforcing U.S. diplomatic efforts on the ground.
How did the Cuban regime react to Hammer's visit?
The Cuban regime attempted to stage a propaganda event by honoring an official involved in harassing Hammer, although the attempt at creating an "act of repudiation" was unsuccessful.
What message did Hammer convey during his interactions with young Cubans?
Hammer emphasized the importance of sharing experiences and listening to diverse opinions, highlighting the value of democratic principles such as freedom of thought and expression.