The United States Embassy in Cuba has released a video showcasing its Charge d'Affaires, Mike Hammer, as he visits communities in the eastern part of the island to engage with Cáritas Cuba volunteers. This is part of an effort to address the severe economic crisis impacting thousands of families across Cuba.
In the video shared on social media, Hammer emphasizes his ongoing mission to "connect with everyday Cubans" and underscores that the distribution of aid is conducted "with complete honesty and transparency."
Hammer assures viewers, "I want you to be confident that our work is rooted at the grassroots level... the decisions are made by us," as he converses with Cáritas volunteers in Guantánamo.
The video elaborates on the process of selecting aid recipients, which is carried out directly within the communities. Local priests collaborate in identifying the most vulnerable individuals.
"The assessment was conducted within the communities alongside the priest. They chose the individuals... the ones most in need," Hammer is heard explaining.
Volunteers note that aid recipients typically include elderly individuals living alone, mothers with multiple children, and single mothers—demographics particularly hard-hit by food shortages, power outages, and a lack of basic resources.
Hammer expresses that it has been "heartwarming" to hear families confirm that the aid they received, including essential items for daily living, has been beneficial.
Items such as pressure cookers, rechargeable lamps, rice, beans, and water filters are mentioned in the video. These are critical supplies in a country where cooking has become a challenge due to electricity and gas shortages, and access to potable water remains a persistent issue.
One of the volunteers comments, "And it arrives because we've done it many times before," noting that this kind of assistance is also prepared for frequent emergencies like hurricanes.
The Embassy's post also highlights the role of Cáritas volunteers, predominantly women, who "go to remote areas" to deliver the humanitarian aid provided by the U.S. government.
At the conclusion of the exchange, Hammer extends his gratitude to those distributing the aid, describing it as a privilege to help alleviate, even slightly, the hardships faced by Cubans.
"For us, as the United States government, it is a privilege to offer and provide something to ease the situation a bit," he concludes.
The video was filmed during a tour of eastern Cuba, which included visits to Cacocum, El Cobre, and Guantánamo, as reported by the diplomatic mission in their post.
Understanding U.S. Humanitarian Efforts in Cuba
What is the focus of the U.S. humanitarian aid in Cuba?
The aid focuses on providing essential items such as food, cooking equipment, and water filters to help alleviate daily challenges faced by vulnerable populations in Cuba.
Who are the primary beneficiaries of this aid?
The aid primarily benefits elderly individuals living alone, mothers with several children, and single mothers, who are particularly affected by shortages and lack of resources.
How is the aid distribution organized?
Aid distribution is organized at the grassroots level with the involvement of local priests and community members to identify and select the most in-need recipients.