The U.S. Mission Chief in Cuba, Mike Hammer, publicly invited the citizens of the Island to suggest new places he should visit and, if they wish, to welcome him into their homes for a coffee.
The message was shared by the United States Embassy in Cuba through its account on X, where it expressed gratitude for the congratulations received on its first year in the country and for the good work being done by its office.
"I sincerely thank all the Cubans who have congratulated me..." expressed the diplomatic mission, quoting the ambassador, and added that he wants to continue receiving recommendations to better understand "the reality of everyday Cubans."
Hammer also made it clear that those who wish to invite him to their homes can write to the official public affairs email of the embassy: havanapublicaffairs@state.gov.
In the video that accompanied the post, the diplomat was seen strolling through the streets of Havana and greeting people.
He explained that he is starting his second year of mission and wishes to continue traveling across the country.
"I would like everyday Cubans to continue sending me suggestions for places I should visit," he said.
"And if you want to invite me inside your homes for a coffee with you, please send me your email," he added.
A year of outreach, surveillance, and proximity to the community
Hammer has established a citizen-focused agenda during its first year on the Island, emphasizing direct contact with the public.
In November, marking a year since his arrival, he publicly reflected on his experience, highlighting the hospitality he received and the opportunity to hear firsthand accounts in almost every province of the country.
In that message, he assured that he has been impressed by "the love and closeness towards "a Yuma" and expressed gratitude to those who have welcomed him into their homes and shared their experiences.
Throughout his travels, Hammer has emphasized that only by living within the country is it possible to understand the daily suffering marked by scarcity, repression, economic crisis, and the lack of freedoms.
He has reiterated on several occasions that Washington remains committed to human rights on the Island and to the release of political prisoners.
Their constant presence in neighborhoods and communities—including meetings with activists, independent journalists, and families affected by the crisis—has been perceived as an effort to hear the voices of the people without the regime's mediation.
During these trips, the diplomat has witnessed blackouts, shortages of food, medicine, and fuel, as well as the massive exodus of citizens.
Despite this, the spirit of resistance and hospitality of the Cuban people has stood out, assuring that "change is inevitable."
A diplomat closely monitored by State Security
The intense surveillance to which he is subjected by State Security has been acknowledged by the official himself.
In May, he declared that during his travels he is constantly followed by cars used by the political police.
"They are constantly filming us," he said, although he assured that this does not affect his willingness to maintain direct dialogue with the public.
He has even pointed out that the surveillance is so evident that every turn made by his convoy is mirrored by the official vehicles monitoring him.
Hammer has also expressed concern about the provocations on social media from pro-government accounts to "harass" or "interrupt" his visits, reminding that the Cuban government has the responsibility to ensure his safety as an accredited diplomat.
In that same intervention, he stated that citizen discontent is widespread and that "the vast majority" of the Cubans believe that "the Revolution has failed".
During his tours, he has collected testimonies about the lack of electricity, the scarcity of basic goods, and the general deterioration of the country, insisting that, according to what he hears on the island, "the ones responsible are the Cuban regime."
Visits to communities and closeness to everyday life
The diplomat has also shared more informal moments during his tours around the country.
In September, he shared images from a visit to Cienfuegos, where he accompanied a family to a youth baseball game, even wearing a cap from the local team.
On that occasion, he stated that the Cubans he has met "deserve a better future" and reiterated his willingness to share everyday spaces: "We'll see each other on the streets; if you see me, invite me to play dominoes or maybe we'll have a little coffee together."
Additionally, last year, on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the reopening of the Embassy in Havana, he emphasized the importance of maintaining direct contact with citizens.
In a video that was shared, he was seen walking through the streets of Holguín, Cienfuegos, Bayamo, and Güines, talking with people of various ages and backgrounds.
An open invitation to Cubans
Now, as he completes his first year of mission and begins the second, Hammer reaffirms his intention to continue engaging with the daily life of the Cuban population, inviting them to send him suggestions of places he should visit and, if they wish, to welcome him into their homes.
His message on social media is a new sign of his interest in directly understanding the concerns and priorities of citizens, as well as amplifying their voices to the international community.
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