Cubans React to Orchestrated Encounter with U.S. Diplomat: “Let’s Have a Referendum!”

A recent video featured on CiberCuba, showing U.S. diplomat Mike Hammer being confronted by individuals in Varadero claiming that “the people chose Revolution,” has sparked a wave of responses from Cubans both on the island and abroad. The discussion, primarily unfolding on Facebook, has amassed over 1,100 comments and nearly 2,500 reactions in less than a day, revealing widespread criticism of the regime’s manipulation and skepticism about the encounter’s authenticity.

With thousands of engagements, the prevailing sentiment among readers supported Hammer, rejected the staged nature of the incident, and opposed the notion that the Cuban populace had selected the so-called “Revolution,” as suggested by the video’s participants. “If they are so sure the people chose Revolution, let’s have a referendum without threats, coercion, or fear,” wrote one user from Cuba, garnering numerous replies and positive reactions. This phrase, echoed by many online users, became the most frequently cited slogan in the comments.

Questioning the "Spontaneity"

Numerous individuals openly doubted the authenticity of the supposedly civilian group confronting Hammer. “These aren’t spontaneous citizens; this is state security’s political theater. The actors are poor, but the intention is clear: film him, manipulate the footage, and discredit him,” commented a user, receiving over 300 likes. Most reactions agreed that the video, shared by the pro-government page “La Tía Carmen,” was meticulously staged, with participants using technical language aligned with the government’s narrative. “Who talks about a ‘list of state sponsors of terrorism’ like that, without being prepped? Not even in a news broadcast!” another user joked.

The encounter’s theatrical and unnatural tone was also highlighted: “There’s no way this wasn’t an ambush. The man can’t even walk with his family without being surrounded to recite the script from the MININT,” remarked an active social media user.

Support for Hammer and Criticism of the Regime

Rather than inciting resentment towards the diplomat, the video stirred a wave of solidarity with Hammer, who was praised for his calm demeanor, willingness to engage, and incisive yet composed responses. “What a response: ‘And those born after ’59?’” one internaut wrote. “That’s the point. The people can’t decide anything. That’s why they harass him, because he reminds them that the people haven’t chosen yet.”

Comments also criticized attempts to use Hammer as a scapegoat to divert attention from Cuba’s real issues. “They talk about interference, but say nothing about hunger, inflation, or blackouts,” noted another reader. “The diplomat can’t even speak to anyone without being surrounded as if he were a wartime enemy.” Several users recalled that Hammer has been one of the few international representatives to visit vulnerable areas, engage with religious communities, speak with families of political prisoners, and denounce setups against opponents. “They should focus on governing well instead of filming poorly acted shows,” said a Cuban living in Holguín.

Humor as a Form of Critique

Sarcasm and humor were not lacking in the comments, especially directed at the “La Tía Carmen” profile, which published the video with jabs at the diplomat. “In their paranoia, all that was missing was hinting at a secret Russian base in some hotel,” read the original post, to which many responded with irony. “If I got paid for every Russian in Varadero, I wouldn’t have to wait in line for chicken,” one user joked. “Paranoia? More like reality: Russian tourists are everywhere, and that’s no secret,” added another.

Memes and humorous remarks also emerged about the moment Hammer said, “Let’s see if we eat in Varadero.” “The man has the patience of a saint. I would’ve left them talking to the sand after the second sentence,” quipped a reader.

Calls for Democratic Legitimacy

One of the most repeated arguments in the reactions was the lack of democratic legitimacy in Cuba’s current model. The statement made to Hammer that “the people have decided, they chose Revolution” was harshly criticized by numerous readers. “When did the people decide? In ’76? And since then what? Never again? Don’t those born in the ’80s, ’90s, 2000s count?” wrote a user from Camagüey. “That statement is insulting. As if entire generations never had the chance to vote on anything.”

Calls for a free popular referendum, devoid of pressures, and under international supervision appeared repeatedly. “Want to know what the people think? Set up the polls, without fear, and with international oversight. Let’s see who decides what,” commented a young man from Havana.

The release of the video by state security failed to achieve the official goal: discrediting Mike Hammer. On the contrary, it reignited public discourse on the lack of genuine political participation, the control of official narratives, and the need for a democratic consultation in Cuba. The people's response, at least online, was clear: the people have not yet made their choice.