American diplomat Mike Hammer expressed deep emotion upon hearing the plight of an 89-year-old Cuban woman from Holguín, whose story resonated with him on a personal level, evoking memories of his own mother.
The encounter between Hammer and the elderly Cuban woman was captured in a video shared by the U.S. Embassy in Cuba on their social media platform, X.
"During my visit to Cacocum, where I met with recipients of aid sent by the Trump Administration through Caritas, I was profoundly touched by the story of Cuca. It reminded me of my own mother, who turns 91 this weekend," Hammer wrote.
The footage depicts Hammer visiting the woman, who lives in a home with a dirt floor and a thatched roof, cooking her meals using firewood. She expressed gratitude to Hammer for the assistance that has been crucial to her survival.
Cuca's story and her living conditions visibly moved the diplomat, whose own mother is celebrating her 91st birthday this year. Hammer pledged to continue facilitating aid deliveries through the Catholic Church as long as possible.
Humanitarian Aid Efforts
In mid-January, the U.S. Embassy in Cuba announced that humanitarian aid for those affected by Hurricane Melissa had started reaching "those most in need." They affirmed that if distribution proceeds smoothly, more aid would follow.
The announcement was made as food and hygiene kits were being distributed in the eastern parts of the island, coordinated by the Catholic Church and Caritas Cuba.
Caritas Cuba reported that the distribution began at the San Pedro Apóstol Parish in Cacocum, where volunteers and community members helped deliver food and hygiene kits to families impacted by the hurricane.
The organization stated that these kits are intended for individuals who lost their homes, belongings, and regular access to essential resources due to the hurricane in October.
This initiative is part of a larger effort involving multiple shipments from the United States, targeting approximately 6,000 families across the dioceses of Bayamo-Manzanillo, Holguín-Las Tunas, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo-Baracoa, according to Caritas.
In this context, a second plane carrying humanitarian aid landed at Santiago de Cuba's Antonio Maceo International Airport, delivering 528 non-perishable food kits and 660 hygiene kits. This shipment followed a previous one that had already arrived at Holguín's airport with similar quantities.
The document outlines that the U.S. government announced a total of three aid shipments for the hurricane victims: two by air and one by sea.
A State Department statement cited in the document notes that these shipments are part of a $3 million disaster assistance package, aimed at reaching up to 24,000 individuals in the hardest-hit provinces: Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, Granma, and Guantánamo.
Alongside basic sustenance items like rice, beans, oil, and sugar, the aid includes supplies for water purification and storage, as well as essential household items such as pots, cooking utensils, sheets, blankets, and solar flashlights to cope with power outages.
Caritas emphasized that this assistance represents a gesture of charity and solidarity, highlighting the crucial role of local volunteers in ensuring that aid is delivered "directly" to families.
In contrast, the Cuban government criticized the aid, accusing Washington of exploiting the tragedy for "political manipulation" and claiming that there was no official coordination between the two governments. Havana insisted that all humanitarian contributions should go through state channels.
Nevertheless, the aid is being received and distributed in eastern communities that are still grappling with the aftermath of the hurricane.
Mike Hammer's Involvement with Cuban Aid
What prompted Mike Hammer's emotional response during his visit to Holguín?
Mike Hammer was deeply moved by the story of an 89-year-old Cuban woman named Cuca, whose hardships reminded him of his own mother, who is turning 91. This personal connection evoked a strong emotional response from him.
How is the humanitarian aid from the U.S. being distributed in Cuba?
The aid is being distributed through the Catholic Church and Caritas Cuba, with efforts focused on delivering food and hygiene kits to families affected by Hurricane Melissa in eastern Cuba. Local volunteers are playing a key role in ensuring the aid reaches those in need.
Why has the Cuban government criticized the U.S. aid efforts?
The Cuban government has accused the U.S. of using the aid for political manipulation, stating that there was no official coordination between the governments and insisting that all humanitarian aid should be routed through state channels.