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The head of the U.S. mission in Cuba, Mike Hammer, visited in Havana the headquarters of the Supreme Council (33rd degree) of Cuban Freemasonry, where he held a meeting with the Sovereign Grand Commander, José Ramón Viñas.
According to the U.S. Embassy in Cuba, during the meeting both parties discussed the challenges facing the Cuban population and the possible avenues for collaboration to facilitate the distribution of humanitarian aid in the country.
Hammer also learned about aspects of the history of Freemasonry in Cuba, including its ties and origins related to the United States.
The visit generated reactions on social media, where some users highlighted the historical role of Cuban masonry. The internet user Yoamel Nápoles Martínez recalled the contributions of the wives of Cuban masons to the war for independence in the United States.
According to that historical account, women from Havana and Matanzas donated their jewelry to financially support George Washington's army, contributing to the victory in the decisive Battle of Yorktown in 1781.
The American historian Stephen Bonsal asserted that these funds "can be considered the ground on which the independence and freedom of the United States were built".
The visit takes place at a complex time for Freemasonry on the island. In 2025, the Grand Lodge of Cuba experienced an electoral process marked by internal tensions and allegations of possible state interference, following the election of Manuel Valdés as Grand Master.
Various sectors within the institution have called for respect for their autonomy and have raised concerns about external surveillance and pressures, amidst a crisis that has affected the stability and credibility of Cuban freemasonry.
In this context, the engagement of U.S. diplomatic representatives with institutions such as Freemasonry reflects the interest in establishing connections with various sectors of Cuban society amidst the economic and social crisis the country is facing.
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