The Head of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in Cuba, Mike Hammer, visited the city of Bayamo in the Granma province as part of his tour of various locations in the country, highlighting the deep historical and patriotic significance of the place.
“In Bayamo, a beautiful historic city where the Father of the Nation, Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, was born, as well as the national anthem —La Bayamesa—, a strong spirit of independence and freedom is felt,” stated the diplomatic mission in a post on the social network X, accompanied by a video of the diplomat walking through the streets of the city.
During the tour, Hammer emphasized the symbolic significance of Bayamo, which he described as "the cradle of the Cuban people's soul." In his remarks, he recalled that Céspedes was born there and that the national anthem was created during the war of independence. "I have seen, as in other places I have known throughout the country, that spirit of Cuban bravery," he added in the video, which is part of the embassy's #ConCubanosDeAPie initiative.
The visit is part of a direct diplomacy strategy promoted by Hammer since his arrival in Havana in November 2024, when he took office with the aim of maintaining close contact with the public.
Hammer has traveled through cities such as Holguín, Cienfuegos, Güines, and Matanzas, where he has held meetings with citizens, artists, and representatives of independent civil society. During his visit to Matanzas, he was followed by State Security agents, although there were no incidents, and he took the opportunity to reaffirm his country's commitment to freedom of expression and human rights on the island.
In recent statements, Hammer emphasized that “the Cubans he has met during his travels deserve a better future,” and reiterated that the crisis the country is experiencing is the responsibility of the Cuban regime, not of the policies of the United States.
At a press conference in Washington, he described a scenario marked by shortages of food, medicine, fuel, and energy, asserting that "the vast majority" of Cubans believe that "the revolution has failed."
His approachable style and constant presence in public spaces have been criticized by the Cuban government. In May, the official program Con Filo accused him of being "cynical," while the MININT harassed him during a family visit to Varadero, where he was confronted by alleged regime supporters.
Far from yielding, the diplomat has maintained his agenda in support of fundamental freedoms and has advocated on several occasions for the release of political prisoners such as Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, Maykel Osorbo, and Jessica Torres Calvo.
Recently, Hammer held a meeting with Admiral Alvin Holsey, head of the U.S. Southern Command, during which they discussed the internal situation on the island and Washington's efforts to promote democracy, human rights, and regional security in the hemisphere.
SOUTHCOM has described the Cuban regime as “a corrosive element in Latin America,” a stance that reinforces the diplomatic support of the United States for the Cuban people in the face of repression and the institutional decline experienced by the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mike Hammer's Visit to Bayamo
What was the purpose of Mike Hammer's visit to Bayamo?
The purpose of Mike Hammer's visit to Bayamo was to highlight the historical and patriotic symbolism of the place and to maintain close contact with the Cuban citizens. During his tour, he emphasized the spirit of independence and freedom present in the city, known for being the birthplace of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes and the Cuban national anthem, "La Bayamesa".
What did Mike Hammer highlight about the Cuban regime during his visit?
During his visit, Mike Hammer emphasized that the crisis in Cuba is the responsibility of the Cuban regime, and not of U.S. policies. He also stated that many Cubans believe the revolution has failed and deserve a better future.
What has been Mike Hammer's relationship with the Cuban government?
Mike Hammer's relationship with the Cuban government has been tense, as he has been criticized for his approachable style and constant presence in public spaces. The regime has accused him of being cynical and an envoy of Washington's "squeeze" policy.
What initiatives has Mike Hammer implemented in Cuba?
Mike Hammer has undertaken a series of direct diplomacy initiatives in Cuba, including visits to various cities, meetings with citizens, artists, and representatives of independent civil society. His goal is to maintain close contact with everyday Cubans and amplify their voices.
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