Residents Rally for Unlimited Cozumel Beach Access

Members of the National Movement for Hope in Cozumel are voicing their concerns to federal, state, and municipal authorities. They are demanding unrestricted access to the island's beaches, which they claim are increasingly being closed off to the public due to construction and restaurant permits.

The group's spokesperson, Diana Hernández Hernández, has accused government representatives of all levels of being responsible for the decreasing public access to the beaches. She argues that each permit and concession granted to private entities reduces the amount of public space available to locals. This particularly impacts the residents of Cozumel, who currently only have access to two public beaches: Caletita and Playa Casitas.

Hernández also noted that access to Las Rocas beach has been limited due to the recent establishment of a restaurant, further restricting the public's enjoyment of the island's beaches.

While the group is not opposed to the tourist development of Cozumel, they are urging authorities to stop issuing more building permits on public beaches. "There are no more public beaches in Cozumel, and this is a concern for everyone given the limited freedom to enjoy the island," Hernández explained.

She also warned of plans to grant more concessions on the west coast, where there were once more public spaces. This would obstruct the sea view and further reduce the available public spaces.

The group is calling on authorities at all levels of government to stop granting concessions on public beaches, limit building permits, and ensure the public has access to Cozumel's beaches.