The head of the U.S. Mission in Cuba, Mike Hammer, hinted that Washington is engaging in discussions with high-level figures within the power structure in Cuba and suggested, without openly confirming it, that there could be a figure in Cuba equivalent to the role played by Delcy Rodríguez in the recent Venezuelan process.
In an exclusive interview with the program "Noticiero Ahora" from Telemundo, Hammer stated:
"There are discussions with some very high-ranking officials within the regime. Others may not be aware. There are some who go out and make a statement: 'No, no, there’s nothing happening.' And suddenly, a day or two later, they say: 'Well...'. In other words, this has to be done in the way we are doing it," he emphasized.
The diplomat compared the situation in Cuba to what happened in Venezuela, where sectors of power started to shift amid a process of political transformation.
"I only give you the example of Venezuela. What has happened there? Where did Delcy Rodríguez come from and how are things moving? Well, let's see," he added.
In response to the journalist's direct question "Who is Delcy Rodríguez in Cuba?", Hammer smiled and replied: "You know I can't... Good question, I appreciate it. Good journalist. We're going to get into...".
Although he avoided providing names or specific details, his words left open the possibility that discreet channels of dialogue may exist with certain sectors of the Cuban leadership, even as some spokespeople publicly deny any rapprochement.
"It is not sustainable to wait any longer."
The diplomat's statements come in a context where he has reiterated that the situation in Cuba is at a critical point.
In the same interview with Telemundo, Hammer revealed that he believes there will be a change in the country in 2026. "There is going to be a change. It's just not sustainable".
According to the explanation, the Island is facing deep deterioration marked by the collapse of the energy infrastructure, the decline of tourism, and the overall worsening of living conditions.
After traveling through several provinces, he stated that he heard from numerous citizens that the current model is not working and that the crisis is worsening year after year.
Hammer described a scenario of prolonged power outages, food shortages, a collapse of transportation, and unprecedented mass migration. He denounced political repression and the absence of fundamental freedoms, along with signs of wear within the leadership.
"The situation is going to get more complicated every day," he warned, referring to the regime's margin for maneuver.
The head of the diplomatic mission stated that it is up to the Cuban authorities to decide if they are willing to engage in dialogue, but he emphasized that time is not on their side.
"It is time to speed things up", he stated.
"The Cuban revolution has failed."
Hammer stated that he personally witnessed the deterioration after his return from Cuba.
"The energy infrastructure is collapsing, everything is going wrong," he stated.
He also rejected the idea that the crisis is a consequence of recent measures from Washington, noting that the situation was already dire beforehand.
He recalled that the US embargo does not restrict food or medicine and that Cuba trades with numerous countries. "The problem is not that there is no trade; the problem is that the resources are used for a repressive state apparatus."
The diplomat questioned how the regime ensures fuel and vehicles for the Police while large sectors of the population lack electricity and transportation.
He highlighted that the United States is "very concerned about the Cuban people" and does not want them to suffer from hunger or further deterioration. This is also the concern of Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
He also highlighted that the current crisis is different from the Special Period of the 90s, as the regime does not have the oil support from Venezuela.
What would change in Cuba be like?
While he avoided detailing how a potential political change could occur, Hammer reiterated that any transition should create opportunities for Cubans to rebuild the country's infrastructure and develop their economy with greater freedom.
In that context, their reference to Venezuela and the figure of Delcy Rodríguez—without confirming names in Cuba—suggests that Washington is monitoring possible internal movements within the ruling elite.
He insisted that the current system "is no longer sustainable" and that the international community cannot ignore the social and economic deterioration happening on the Island.
According to his vision, the moment demands concrete decisions.
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