Mike Hammer, the head of the U.S. Embassy Mission in Cuba, recently toured the historic city of Bayamo in Granma Province. His visit was part of a broader journey through various Cuban locales, emphasizing Bayamo's rich historical and patriotic significance. The diplomatic mission shared on social media, "In Bayamo, a beautiful historical city where the father of the nation, Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, was born, and where the national anthem — La Bayamesa — originated, you can truly feel a deep sense of independence and freedom," accompanied by a video of Hammer walking through the city's streets.
Hammer highlighted Bayamo's symbolic importance, calling it "the cradle of the Cuban people's soul." He reminisced about Céspedes's birth and the creation of the national anthem during the independence wars. "Throughout my travels across the country, I have witnessed that enduring Cuban spirit of bravery," he mentioned in the video, which is part of the embassy's #ConCubanosDeAPie initiative.
This visit is a component of Hammer's direct diplomacy strategy launched upon his arrival in Havana in November 2024. His goal has been to maintain close contact with the Cuban public. Hammer has visited cities such as Holguín, Cienfuegos, Güines, and Matanzas, engaging with locals, artists, and independent civil society representatives. In Matanzas, despite being followed by State Security agents, he reiterated the U.S. commitment to freedom of expression and human rights on the island.
In recent statements, Hammer emphasized that the Cubans he has met deserve a better future, attributing the nation’s crisis to the Cuban regime rather than U.S. policies. During a press conference in Washington, he painted a grim picture of food, medicine, fuel, and energy shortages, stating that the vast majority of Cubans believe "the revolution has failed."
Hammer's approachable demeanor and frequent public presence have been met with criticism from the Cuban government. In May, the state-run program Con Filo labeled him "cynical," while the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) harassed him during a family visit to Varadero, confronting him with alleged regime supporters.
Undeterred, Hammer has continued to advocate for fundamental freedoms, repeatedly calling for the release of political prisoners like Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, Maykel Osorbo, and Jessica Torres Calvo. Recently, he met with Admiral Alvin Holsey, head of the U.S. Southern Command, to discuss the internal situation in Cuba and Washington's efforts to promote democracy, human rights, and regional security in the hemisphere.
The SOUTHCOM has described the Cuban regime as "a corrosive element in Latin America," further solidifying U.S. diplomatic support for the Cuban people in the face of repression and institutional decline.
Key Questions on U.S.-Cuba Relations and Diplomacy
What was the purpose of Mike Hammer's visit to Bayamo?
The visit was part of a broader diplomatic strategy to engage directly with the Cuban public and emphasize Bayamo’s historical and patriotic significance.
How has the Cuban government responded to Hammer's diplomatic activities?
The Cuban government has criticized Hammer's activities, with state media labeling him as "cynical" and the Ministry of the Interior harassing him during visits.
What stance has the U.S. Southern Command taken regarding the Cuban regime?
The U.S. Southern Command has described the Cuban regime as a "corrosive element in Latin America," supporting U.S. efforts to back the Cuban people against repression.