The U.S. diplomat Mike Hammer was moved by the story of a 89-year-old Cuban woman in Holguín, which reminded him of his own mother.
The diplomat's meeting with this elderly Cuban woman was documented on the X of the U.S. Embassy in Cuba.
"When I was in Cacocum meeting with the beneficiaries of the assistance sent by the Trump Administration through Caritas, I was deeply moved by Cuca's story, which reminded me a lot of my own mother, who turns 91 this weekend," wrote Hammer.
The video shows Hammer on a visit, expressing interest in this Cuban woman who lives in a house with a dirt floor and a thatched roof, and cooks with firewood.
The woman thanked Hammer for the assistance provided that has helped her survive.
The story of Cuca and her living conditions visibly moved the diplomat, whose own mother is celebrating her 91st birthday this year.
Hammer promised to continue sending aid as long as its delivery can be managed through the Catholic Church.
Humanitarian aid
In mid-January, the United States Embassy in Cuba celebrated that the humanitarian aid sent for the victims of Hurricane Melissa is now reaching "those in greatest need" and stated that, if the distribution goes well, "more will come".
The message was posted on X amidst the beginning and expansion of the distribution of food and hygiene kits in communities in the eastern part of the Island, coordinated by the Catholic Church and Cáritas Cuba.
According to Cáritas Cuba, the distribution began at the San Pedro Apóstol Parish in the municipality of Cacocum, with the support of volunteers and community members, to deliver food and hygiene kits to families affected by the cyclone.
The organization stated that the modules are aimed at individuals who lost their homes, belongings, and regular access to essential resources after the passage of Melissa in October.
The delivery is part of a broader effort that includes several shipments from the United States, intended for about 6,000 families belonging to the dioceses of Bayamo-Manzanillo, Holguín-Las Tunas, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo-Baracoa, according to information released by Cáritas itself.
In this context, a second airplane with humanitarian aid arrived at Antonio Maceo International Airport, in Santiago de Cuba, carrying 528 non-perishable food kits and 660 hygiene kits.
That shipment was added to an initial cargo that had already arrived at Holguín airport with equivalent quantities.
The document adds that the U.S. government announced a total of three shipments for the affected: two by air and one by sea.
According to a statement from the Department of State mentioned in the text, the shipments are part of a $3 million disaster assistance package, with an estimated reach of up to 24,000 people in the hardest-hit provinces: Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, Granma, and Guantánamo.
In addition to basic survival products (such as rice, beans, oil, and sugar), the shipments include supplies for purifying and storing water, as well as essential household items like pots, kitchen utensils, sheets, blankets, and solar lanterns to cope with power outages.
Cáritas emphasized that the shipment represents a gesture of charity and solidarity and highlighted the role of local volunteers to ensure that the aid reaches families “directly.”
In contrast, the Cuban government questioned the aid, accusing Washington of using the tragedy for “political manipulation” and stating that there was no official coordination between the two governments; Havana insisted that all humanitarian contributions must go through state channels.
Even so, aid is being received and distributed in eastern communities that are still facing the aftermath of the hurricane.
Filed under: