U.S. Diplomatic Chief in Cuba Meets with Opposition Leader José Daniel Ferrer

The head of the U.S. Mission in Cuba, Mike Hammer, paid a visit to the headquarters of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU) in Altamira, Santiago de Cuba, where he met with opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer. "Today, we were visited by Mike Hammer, the Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Cuba. We spoke for nearly five hours about various aspects of our nation's current reality and the importance of Western solidarity with the Cuban people in their struggle for rights and democracy," Ferrer stated.

During the meeting, Hammer listened to the testimonies of recently released evangelical pastor Lorenzo Rosales and Ferrer himself, who shared their experiences of imprisonment due to their political beliefs. Additionally, the U.S. diplomat engaged in a discussion with Estrella Gell, the mother of political prisoner Iam Gámez Gell, who is currently under house arrest.

"We appreciate the significant solidarity from the current U.S. government, from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and the concern for political prisoners who remain in dire conditions across our nation's jails," Ferrer emphasized.

Who is Mike Hammer?

Mike Hammer took office as the Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Cuba in November 2024, succeeding Benjamin G. Ziff. With an impressive diplomatic career spanning over 35 years, Hammer arrived in Havana after serving as a key figure as the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa.

The U.S. Embassy highlighted that his appointment strengthens the commitment to promoting human rights in Cuba and improving bilateral relations, especially in crucial areas of mutual interest such as security and the welfare of the Cuban people. Throughout his career, Hammer has held significant positions, including U.S. Ambassador to Chile and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In Washington, he served as the Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs, the National Security Council spokesperson, and the Director of Andean Affairs at the State Department. Growing up in Latin America, Hammer has lived in countries like Honduras, El Salvador, Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil, making him deeply knowledgeable about the region. He is fluent in Spanish and also proficient in French and Icelandic.

Engagements with Other Cuban Dissidents

Since arriving in Havana, Hammer has personally met with well-known Cuban dissidents, including intellectual Alina Bárbara López Hernández. He also held meetings with Berta Soler and Martha Beatriz Roque, two prominent figures in the Cuban opposition.

These gatherings highlight the U.S. government's interest in maintaining an open dialogue with Cuban civil society and supporting those who advocate for human rights and democracy on the island.