The head of the United States diplomatic mission in Cuba, Mike Hammer, took a tour of the eastern provinces of Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo, where he engaged with various everyday Cuban citizens as part of the "Do you want to talk?" initiative, which aims to bring the diplomat closer to the daily reality of Cubans.
"Very well, are you from here? How do you say it? Santiaguero?", said to a couple of young people he encountered in the Santiago capital, according to a video shared on the social media accounts of the United States Embassy in Havana.
During the informal conversation, Hammer surprised the young people with a colloquial expression commonly used by Cubans: “Oh, well, and do you have people there in Yuma, any relatives?”, referring to the connection that many Cuban families maintain with migrants settled in the United States.
The phrase, which provoked smiles and a sense of complicity among those present, reflects the diplomat's effort to connect with the people's feelings and gain firsthand knowledge of the daily reality of Cubans.
According to what was observed in the video, the diplomat also spoke with a Cuban who was apparently fixing his car, an old Chevrolet that caught the ambassador's interest.
“No, they are very beautiful”, Hammer assured about the old vehicle that still rolls through the streets of Cuba.
As he walked by, he encountered older individuals, Cubans playing dominoes in the shade, and children whom he greeted warmly.
A highlight of his visit to Santiago de Cuba was the meeting with the parish priest Camilo de la Paz Salmón, to whom he expressed gratitude “for welcoming us to his parish and sharing the reality that the people of Santiago experience.”
In Guantánamo, he also appreciated his exchange with Monsignor Silvano Pedroso, Bishop of Guantánamo, "who told us about the challenging conditions in the east", they wrote.
Polarized reactions on social media
However, the diplomatic journey has not been without controversy. Users have shared mixed opinions. Some see it as a necessary gesture of attention towards a region that has historically been overlooked by Havana and, at times, also by Washington.
"What a great job. Finally, someone is paying attention to the eastern region. That is the forgotten part of Cuba, but that is where the heart of that Cuban land beats. The wars of independence didn't start in the East by chance," wrote a user.
Another commented, “Excellent work, my congratulations... now it is time to overthrow the tyranny once and for all.”
However, there were those who expressed skepticism and even anger regarding the visit. Some interpret it as a strategy for the "normalization" of the image of the Cuban regime.
"What do they want to make us believe? That nothing is happening in Cuba? That everything is nice and tasty under the communist tyranny?" questioned a user.
Another person stated that "no ordinary Cuban believes in their theater. Any Cuban who approves of this is an ally of the dictatorship."
"The ambassador is enjoying himself! He is putting the U.S. government in a bad light, once again demonstrating that Cuba is not a terrorist country. Remove it from the list!" expressed a user, referring to Cuba's inclusion on the list of state sponsors of terrorism.
The truth is that the visit to the eastern part of the country is a continuation of a broader journey that started days earlier in Havana, where Hammer was welcomed in the home of a Cuban couple.
The two young people emailed Hammer to invite him to experience their daily reality. “We enjoyed sharing with them and listening to their stories, concerns, and dreams,” the embassy remarked.
Frequently Asked Questions about the U.S. Ambassador's Visit to Cuba and Its Implications
What was the purpose of Mike Hammer's visit to Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo?
The purpose of Mike Hammer's visit to Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo was to get closer to the daily reality of Cubans and learn firsthand about their experiences and challenges. This initiative is part of the "Do You Want to Talk?" campaign, which seeks to establish a direct dialogue with the Cuban population.
How has the visit of the U.S. ambassador been received by the Cubans?
The visit of the U.S. ambassador has generated polarized reactions among Cubans. While some see the gesture as a necessary acknowledgment of a historically forgotten region, others interpret it as a strategy to normalize the Cuban regime. The opinions reflect a blend of hope and skepticism about the real impact of these diplomatic actions.
Why is Mike Hammer's "domino diplomacy" strategy important?
The strategy of "domino diplomacy" is significant because it aims to connect directly with the Cuban people through informal and everyday interactions. Similar to the "ping pong diplomacy" between the U.S. and China in the 1970s, this approach seeks to create avenues for dialogue and understanding beyond formal meetings, demonstrating a genuine interest in Cuban culture and the daily concerns of its people.
What impact could Hammer's visit have on the relations between Cuba and the United States?
The visit of Hammer could influence relations between Cuba and the United States by reaffirming the U.S. commitment to human rights and democracy on the island. By establishing a direct dialogue with the population and sectors of civil society, Hammer's strategy could pressure the Cuban regime and strengthen the internal opposition, although it also heightens diplomatic tensions due to accusations of interference from the Cuban government.
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