The president of the La Rampa People's Council, Pedro Lizardo Garcés Escalona, publicly criticized the United States Embassy in Havana for keeping part of its premises illuminated during the night on Friday, amid a blackout that affected much of the country.
“People from the neighborhood. Today, 23.5.25 at 11:30 p.m. Mr. Mike Hammer, unworthy representative of the U.S. Embassy, I don’t know where he is, but it is clear to us that he doesn’t have an auto shut-off? So, Mr. Mike: Are you with the Cubans or not? Remember that I wrote to you and I’m waiting. Is it possible? You will let us know,” he wrote on Facebook.
The comment was accompanied by several images of the U.S. embassy building, located in the central Havana neighborhood of El Vedado, where the security lights of the outer fence are visible and only a few offices remained illuminated.
Despite the relative darkness in the diplomatic headquarters, the few light bulbs illuminated a scene of blackouts in Havana that plunged the surrounding area into darkness.
Amid a national energy crisis
The official's reprimand occurs in the context of a severe energy crisis in Cuba, with blackouts lasting over 20 hours and an increase in protests against the government, especially in cities such as Santiago de Cuba, Bayamo, and Cienfuegos.
The protests have taken place in the dark, during lengthy blackouts lasting over 20 hours. People have taken to the streets with their pots and pans demanding food, electricity, and immediate solutions from the regime.
These peaceful protests have been suppressed by the government, which is trying to conceal the situation by cutting off internet service to prevent more Cubans from demonstrating.
Invitation to Dialogue
Lizardo's reaction also seems to be a response to recent efforts by the head of mission at the U.S. Embassy, Mike Hammer, to engage with the Cuban population. The diplomat made a public invitation to citizens who wish to meet with him and has started interviewing many individuals.
Hammer met with families of political prisoners, activists, and citizens interested in sharing their experiences and opinions. "I want to talk to anyone who wants to share their perspectives," he stated a few weeks ago in a video recorded on the streets of the island.
This Friday, from Miami, Hammer stated that "the revolution has failed." The statement has prompted a strong response from the Cuban regime, which accused him of "lying" and "interfering" in the country's internal affairs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Criticism of the U.S. Embassy in Cuba and the Energy Crisis
Why did a communist leader criticize the U.S. Embassy in Havana during the blackouts?
The leader Pedro Lizardo Garcés Escalona criticized the U.S. Embassy for keeping lights on during a widespread blackout in Havana, questioning whether the embassy truly supports the Cuban people amid an energy crisis. The criticism arises in the context of blackouts lasting over 20 hours in Cuba, which have sparked popular protests against the government.
What has been the response of the U.S. Embassy to the criticisms from the Cuban leader?
So far, the U.S. Embassy has not issued an official response to the specific criticisms regarding the illuminated lights. However, the embassy has been promoting direct dialogue with the Cuban people, inviting citizens to meet with the head of mission, Mike Hammer, which could be interpreted as an attempt to show support for the Cuban population.
How has the energy crisis affected the Cuban population?
The energy crisis in Cuba has caused blackouts lasting more than 20 hours, seriously affecting the daily lives of citizens. Protests have increased, especially in cities like Santiago de Cuba, Bayamo, and Cienfuegos, where people have taken to the streets to demand immediate solutions. The government has responded with repression and internet outages to stifle the demonstrations.
What initiatives has Mike Hammer taken to connect with Cubans?
Mike Hammer has conducted a series of visits throughout Cuba to meet with citizens, activists, and the families of political prisoners. He has reiterated his invitation to Cubans to engage in dialogue through the embassy's email, promoting a direct and personal approach with the population in an effort to understand their perspectives and needs.
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