The head of the U.S. mission in Havana, Mike Hammer, stated this Wednesday that "no one wants to see the Cuban people suffering from hunger."
His statements were made during an exchange with journalists regarding the arrival and distribution of humanitarian aid channeled through the Catholic Church for the victims of the hurricane Melissa, which struck the island in October 2025.
Hammer emphasized that the aid sent by the United States aims to alleviate the suffering of Cuban families affected by the cyclone, and assured that Washington will maintain support "for as long as possible."
“We are supporting the people because nobody wants to see Cubans going hungry, suffering. And this people have already suffered enough. In the year and a bit that I have been in Havana, the conditions have deteriorated greatly,” the diplomat declared.
"If you take away that oil, the situation will be worse."
In response to the question about how much longer the regime in Havana can endure without receiving oil from Venezuela, Hammer replied, "It's hard to know how long the crisis situation can last."
He insisted that over the past year, conditions on the island have worsened significantly. “If you take away the oil they were receiving, the energy situation will be worse,” he pointed out, referring to the fuel crisis that has intensified since the detention of Nicolás Maduro on January 3rd and the suspension of crude oil shipments from Venezuela to Cuba.
The diplomat emphasized the role of the Catholic Church as a humanitarian channel and reiterated that the goal of the aid is to alleviate the humanitarian crisis, not to serve a political purpose.
“Let us hope that the regime understands that it is their responsibility to allow us to help. If the government refuses, it will have to explain not only to the people but to the world why it does not accept the aid,” he warned.
Without specifics about Cuba's political future
Hammer avoided commenting on any potential conversations or specific actions related to Cuba's political future.
“It will be President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio who will publicly define the course and make the relevant announcements,” he clarified.
The U.S. official concluded by reiterating that the priority of his mission in Havana is to "support the Cuban people" and facilitate the distribution of humanitarian assistance in coordination with religious entities and local civil organizations.
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