Johana Tablada, a senior official at Cuba's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX), has once again targeted U.S. diplomat Mike Hammer, this time criticizing his recent trip to San Antonio de los Baños. This town became a symbol of the July 11, 2021 (11J) protests. Hammer, the Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Havana, visited the municipality in Artemisa province as part of an effort to engage with and listen to the Cuban people directly. His visit sparked numerous reactions on social media, where many users expressed appreciation for his gesture.
However, the Cuban government's official stance was far from welcoming. Tablada, who is the Deputy Director General for U.S. Affairs at MINREX, responded with a statement filled with official rhetoric and a confrontational tone, accusing the U.S. Embassy and the State Department of masking a policy of "hostility" with "friendly outings" to Cuba.
"Actions speak louder than words, and this phrase perfectly encapsulates the total charade of the embassy and the State Department, which tightens the economic war to suffocate the Cuban population while taking friendly strolls to disguise the true nature of their dismal role," Tablada wrote on social media.
The official also advised the U.S. diplomat to read the works of José Martí "more comprehensively" and suggested he study the history of U.S.-Cuba relations from the perspective of regime-affiliated historians. "The Chargé d'Affaires would do well to delve deeper into José Martí's writings... He should also read American historians who have lectured on the history of their country's abuses against ours, abuses that have intensified since January 20th with enthusiastic assistance from the embassy," she added.
Tablada took the opportunity to mention Hammer's recent visit to Miami, where she claimed he promised a "hard line" toward the island. As a concluding remark, she criticized the social context in the United States: "Just as students are beaten and immigrants, including our fellow citizens, are expelled, there won't be much audience for democracy lessons, a subject on which the United States lacks moral authority."
Finally, she asserted that many Cubans became "anti-imperialists" in San Antonio de los Baños, referencing the symbolic nature of the place, which paradoxically was the epicenter of the most significant social uprising against the Cuban government in decades. However, her response did not garner the anticipated support. Hundreds of Cubans reacted with criticism to her post, questioning the double standards of the official discourse and reminding her that it was precisely in San Antonio de los Baños where the 11J protests erupted, with people taking to the streets, banging pots and pans, demanding freedom, food, and rights.
Mike Hammer's Visit to San Antonio de los Baños
"I had the chance to meet people who recognized me from social media and who had contacted us previously through Facebook. These were wonderful and meaningful encounters that underscore the importance I place on directly connecting with the people," Hammer stated in a video released by the Embassy to document these trips.
The footage showed the diplomat engaging with locals in the streets and participating in a meeting with young people at a Catholic church. "During the visit, I had a very positive exchange with energetic and committed youth who undoubtedly represent the future of Cuba," he said.
"Cuba is a beautiful country, but what I really enjoy is the interaction. I want to hear from you, anything you wish to share, including criticisms. Please, I come from a democracy that isn't perfect; we have our problems, but we respect opinions and thoughts," Hammer told the young participants.
As he often does during his travels around the island, Hammer visited a plaza dedicated to José Martí and concluded the video with a quote from the national hero: "Actions speak louder than words."
Questions About U.S. Diplomatic Actions in Cuba
Why did Mike Hammer visit San Antonio de los Baños?
Mike Hammer visited San Antonio de los Baños to engage directly with the Cuban people and listen to their concerns, as part of his duties as the Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Havana.
What was Johana Tablada's response to Hammer's visit?
Johana Tablada criticized Hammer's visit, accusing the U.S. Embassy and the State Department of masking their hostility toward Cuba with friendly gestures, and urged Hammer to study Cuban history from a regime-friendly perspective.
How did the Cuban public react to Johana Tablada's comments?
Many Cubans criticized Johana Tablada's comments, pointing out the double standards in the official discourse and reminding her that San Antonio de los Baños was the starting point of the July 11 protests demanding freedom and rights.