Recently, Mike Hammer, the United States' chief of mission in Cuba, resonated with the Cuban populace from the heart of the island. His words captured the stark reality faced by millions: the chronic electricity shortages.
In a video shared on social media by the U.S. Embassy in Cuba, Hammer, appearing in Santiago de Cuba, expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming number of messages he receives daily.
"Hello from Santiago. It's a long drive from Havana, but it's wonderful to travel through different provinces and meet the Cuban people," he remarked, directly addressing his online followers.
Hammer shared his astonishment at the extensive support on social media, admitting his inability to respond to every message.
"Thank you for all those messages, thousands and thousands. I read them all, but I can't 'like' each one," he stated, visibly touched.
The moment that most resonated with Cubans was when he commented on the country's severe energy crisis:
"I want to tell you that when I see you, if you offer me a coffee... well, if there's electricity, we'll enjoy it together, and if not, we'll have a conversation."
This statement, delivered effortlessly, struck a chord regarding the ongoing blackouts that have become routine in much of Cuba, where making coffee is a luxury reliant on electricity, charcoal, or wood.
The Symbolism of Coffee in Cuban Culture
The video prompted a wave of emotional, humorous, and resigned reactions from thousands of Cubans.
One user encapsulated the sentiment by explaining the cultural significance of a coffee invitation:
"For a Cuban, inviting you for coffee means 'welcome to my home.' And even if they don't have it, they'll say it from the heart."
Others assured him that coffee would be available, even if brewed with charcoal, emphasizing the enduring hospitality of Cubans amid scarcity.
"If there's no power, we'll still brew coffee. You're welcome in my home," commented one user.
Responses were filled with phrases like "Cuba loves you," "God bless you," "you're one of us," and gratitude for traveling the country "without fear" and engaging with ordinary people.
Hammer's Controversial Presence
The video comes amid a series of recent posts showing Hammer touring eastern provinces, visiting vulnerable communities, and overseeing humanitarian aid distributed through Caritas Cuba and the Catholic Church.
In recent days, Hammer has been spotted in Guantánamo, Holguín, and other eastern locales, areas where Hurricane Melissa exacerbated an already unsustainable crisis.
Although Hammer insists his visits aim to understand firsthand the realities of the Cuban people, his presence has sparked hostile reactions from the regime, including acts of repudiation and arrests of dissidents and activists to prevent their meetings with him.
In an interview with communicator Enrique Santos, Hammer expressed how moved he is by the courage of Cubans who dare to speak with him, knowing the risks of arrest.
"It's a heavy burden for me to see people who might be detained... but they ask me to come," he revealed.
In the same interview, Hammer bluntly described the country's condition, asserting that Cuba has reached a critical juncture.
"There's already a collapse. There's barely any electricity, especially in the provinces," he noted.
He recounted instances where families endure up to 20 hours a day without power, leaving the fan on to wake up when electricity returns at dawn to cook or wash.
His statements align with the daily experiences of thousands of Cubans: unending blackouts, spoiled food, elderly without ventilation, sleepless children, and a nation where even the simplest act —like enjoying a cup of coffee— depends on the return of power.
Exploring Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is the significance of Mike Hammer's comments on electricity in Cuba?
Hammer's comments highlight the severe energy shortages in Cuba and strike a chord with many Cubans who face daily blackouts.
How has the Cuban public reacted to Hammer's video?
The Cuban public has responded with emotions ranging from humor to resignation, appreciating his acknowledgment of their struggles and offering hospitality despite the hardships.
Why does Mike Hammer's presence in Cuba provoke controversy?
Hammer's visits have been controversial because they highlight government failures, and his interactions with dissidents and activists provoke hostile reactions from the regime.