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Mike Hammer, head of the U.S. Mission in Cuba, met this week with independent journalists and members of civil society in Camagüey.
On Thursday, the diplomat visited the independent journalists from La Hora de Cuba Henry Constantín and Iris Mariño.
Hammer stated on the X account of the U.S. Embassy in Cuba that these are journalists willing "to inform the Cuban people and the world about the events on the island. A difficult but essential task."
That same day, he was photographed in the municipality of Esmeralda alongside the regime's critic priest Alberto Reyes.
"His efforts to improve the lives of the most needy and his aspiration for a better future for all Cubans are clear," he said about the Catholic.
On Friday, the diplomat met with a group of entrepreneurs from the region.
In Camagüey, Hammer even had time to play a game of dominoes in the street with a group of young people.
"We visited Cuba Emprende in Camagüey, what an impressive and creative group of entrepreneurs. Young people looking to make a living, just like their counterparts in the U.S. With limited resources, they set up their businesses in cafes, toy shops, beauty products, and much more. I even loved discovering that in Camagüey they share the same taste for cupcakes as in the United States. Wishing them success!"
These visits by the head of the U.S. Mission in Cuba are part of a series of meetings initiated by Hammer since his arrival in Havana, where he has held discussions with both ordinary citizens and activists and opponents, such as José Daniel Ferrer, Guillermo Fariñas, and Martha Beatriz Roque.
I want to talk to anyone who wants to share their perspectives, Hammer recently stated, emphasizing the importance of listening directly to the Cuban people.
His presence in iconic locations such as the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre and his willingness to engage in face-to-face dialogue with Cubans from various sectors has sparked interest —and also discomfort— for the Cuban regime, which has accused him of interference in internal affairs.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Fernández de Cossío, accused Hammer of behaving like "an activist who encourages Cubans to act against their country", justifying repressive measures as a defense against a "hostile foreign power.”
Frequently asked questions about Mike Hammer's visit to Camagüey and his interaction with Cuban civil society
Who is Mike Hammer and what is his role in Cuba?
Mike Hammer is the chief of the U.S. Mission in Cuba, with an impressive career of over 35 years in the diplomatic service. His role in Cuba includes promoting human rights and strengthening bilateral relations, maintaining an open dialogue with Cuban civil society.
What activities did Mike Hammer engage in during his visit to Camagüey?
During his visit to Camagüey, Mike Hammer met with independent journalists like Henry Constantín and Iris Mariño, as well as members of civil society. Hammer also played a game of dominoes with young people on the streets of Camagüey, reflecting a close and direct approach in his diplomacy. These activities are part of a series of meetings aimed at listening to the perspectives of the Cuban people and engaging in dialogue with local activists and entrepreneurs.
What has been the Cuban regime's reaction to Mike Hammer's actions?
The Cuban regime has expressed discomfort regarding the actions of Mike Hammer, accusing him of meddling in internal affairs and acting as an activist. The Cuban Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Fernández de Cossío, criticized Hammer for encouraging Cubans to act against their country, justifying repressive measures as a defense against a "hostile foreign power."
Why is Mike Hammer's visit to Cuban civil society important?
Mike Hammer's visit to Cuban civil society is significant because it reinforces the United States' commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms in Cuba. By directly interacting with citizens, activists, and entrepreneurs, Hammer aims to establish an open dialogue and listen to the voices of those facing repression from the Cuban regime, thus promoting a more humane and direct approach in diplomacy.
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