Mike Hammer, the head of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Cuba, traveled to Alquízar in the Artemisa province on Tuesday. His visit aimed to personally ensure that the $100 million in humanitarian aid sent by the Trump administration is reaching Cuba's most vulnerable families.
A video shared on the embassy's official X account captured Hammer visiting several beneficiaries' homes. He verified the delivery of essential food items—such as rice, beans, and sugar—along with solar lamps and hygiene products like toothpaste.
"I'm here in Alquízar, Artemisa, to observe the distribution of humanitarian aid sent by the Trump administration to those in need," the official stated.
An elderly woman described the supplies as a much-needed relief amidst severe shortages: "The rice, beans, hygiene items, toothpaste, sugar—everything is so necessary here, and I had almost nothing. It was like a miracle from God."
Another recipient praised the transparency of the delivery process: "The level of organizational seriousness during the delivery was impressive; the box arrived sealed, just as we Cubans say, there was no funny business."
This marks Hammer's third visit to families benefiting from U.S. aid. He had previously visited homes in Bejucal on July 25 and August 7 as part of a direct verification strategy.
Humanitarian Efforts in Bejucal and Alquízar
The distribution in Bejucal and Alquízar started on July 23, coordinated by Cáritas Cuba and local parish networks, following the first humanitarian flight from Miami on July 21, which carried approximately 18 tons of supplies for about 700 families.
The $100 million aid package was announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on May 8 and formalized shortly after by the State Department. It allocates $60 million through the Catholic Church—via Catholic Relief Services and Cáritas Cuba—and $40 million to independent non-governmental organizations. The condition is for the resources to reach the people directly, bypassing the regime.
Distribution efforts prioritize senior citizens, people with disabilities, pregnant or nursing women, and families with children facing vulnerabilities.
Controversy Surrounding the Aid
The Cuban regime has consistently opposed the initiative. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez dismissed it as a "100 million dollar lie," while Díaz-Canel publicly mocked it, suggesting the aid seemed like a joke.
Despite such opposition, the distribution continues through independent channels. The program aims to assist between 100,000 and 120,000 families across the island in successive phases. The aid packages include vital items like oil, sardines, tuna, soap, water purification tablets, and plastic containers.
Understanding U.S. Humanitarian Aid to Cuba
What is the purpose of Mike Hammer's visit to Alquízar?
Mike Hammer visited Alquízar to personally verify that the humanitarian aid from the U.S. is effectively reaching the most vulnerable families in Cuba.
How is the $100 million U.S. aid package distributed?
The aid is divided into $60 million through the Catholic Church and $40 million for independent NGOs, ensuring direct delivery to the Cuban people without regime interference.
What supplies are included in the aid packages?
The packages contain essential items such as oil, sardines, tuna, soap, water purification tablets, and plastic containers.
How has the Cuban government reacted to the U.S. aid initiative?
The Cuban government has rejected the aid, with officials deriding it as a deceptive effort and mocking the initiative publicly.