Havana/Mike Hammer, head of the United States diplomatic mission in Havana, received this Saturday the first Humanitarian Award granted by the Cuban American Bar Association, during its 52nd annual gala in Miami. In his thank you message, he reported Martí Newsthe diplomat said that the Donald Trump Administration “is determined” to achieve “the dream of the Cuban people of living in freedom.”
The official maintained during his speech that “people are no longer just talking that a change could happen. People are saying that the change is going to happen,” and added that it will be as soon as this year. “I am sure that when that change comes, the Cuban people will move forward and recreate that Pearl of the Caribbean that should always be. By 2026, Cuba will be free,” he predicted.
Regarding the award, he assured that it reflects the work that his mission is doing in Cuba “it is important”, which is why he pointed out that the award is not only for him, but for all the officials of the Washington embassy in Havana. In addition, he highlighted the push of the Donald Trump Administration towards the Western Hemisphere, with the Secretary of State, Marco Rubioat the head, whom he described as a figure committed to the cause of freedom in Cuba.
“In my more than 37 years as a diplomat, I have never seen an Administration so focused on the Western Hemisphere. And that, of course, includes Cuba,” he said. “Cuba is a priority on the Foreign Relations agenda of America First”, he indicated.
“In my more than 37 years as a diplomat, I have never seen an Administration so focused on the Western Hemisphere”
The diplomat, who has gained relevance on the island since Trump’s return to the White House, also dedicated the recognition to the “ordinary Cubans”, who “are the brave ones who face the dictatorship and take the risks.”
In his message, he recalled recent trips to Cuban provinces where he faced acts of repudiation organized by sympathizers of the regime, such as that of a month agoin front of a private hostel in the city of Camagüey, 500 kilometers from the Cuban capital. That day, men and women shouted “down with the blockade,” “Donald Trump puppets,” “murderer,” “genocidaires,” or “bootlickers,” and accused him of causing the blackouts.
Despite these acts, he clarified that his agenda will continue without hesitation: “There were alleged acts of repudiation… they shouted insults at us, they even hit our car, but I want to make it clear: they are not going to intimidate us.”
Hammer mentioned that, after the incidents, the State Department publicly supported the work of the diplomatic mission in Cuba and rejected any attempt at intimidation.
Hammer mentioned that, after the incidents, the State Department publicly supported the work of the diplomatic mission in Cuba
He also told how he was summoned by the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs after having accompanied the opposition leader. Berta Soler to mass, in April of last year, when seven members of the Ladies in White were detained for a few hours.
He stressed that, despite public warnings from the Cuban Government about possible consequences for those who meet with him, no one has canceled scheduled meetings during his tours through different cities.
Hammer maintained that during his arrival in Havana a little over a year ago he perceived an “atmosphere of hopelessness,” but that in his most recent tours he has detected a change in the mood of the population.
In the last month, Hammer has maintained an intense schedule with Cuban exiles, both in Miami, Madrid and Romewhere he also met with senior officials of the Vatican. During his recent meeting in the Spanish capital, he maintained that “the future of Cuba is for Cubans to decide in freedom, with the opportunity to live in tranquility and prosper economically.” Furthermore, he stressed that “this is a historical moment in which change cannot be made; it will be made,” pointing directly to 2026 as the year of that transformation.
