Private Beach Access: Huelgas

AlterEgo

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Jan 9, 2009
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Today was the second day in a row of major huelgas near our house. The issue is two commercial properties, one a hotel and one a small resort that offers day passes and overnight stays, who have blocked access to their beachfronts. It got pretty violent yesterday, police used tear gas and at least one person ended up hospitalized. It made SIN news. Today it happened again, tires burning, rioting, etc.

I know this is done elsewhere. I remember the Hamaca has a private area. Just west of us in Palenque there is a residential complex (Coconut Paradise) that has fenced off their beachfront.

What about the rest of DR? Is this commonplace? Is it permitted?

It’s a big beach, plenty of space, this seems to be an anger issue. These are the only two with hotel facilities.
 

CristoRey

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Apr 1, 2014
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The huelgas from Licey over Moca along highway Carr Duarte are legendary. They have them once every few months, usually with a week's notice and everything including schools, hospitals and public transportation closes down.
 

pinonuevo

Active member
Dec 7, 2020
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Dominicans in general do not respect private property; the beaches are public BUT people want to enter using the private property.
The need to learn that they do not have the right to enter into a private property to access the public beach.
The dominican government does not respect private property either, they want to declare public 60 meters from the beach even in private property without any compensation.
 

livio

Member
Dec 13, 2007
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Dominicans in general do not respect private property; the beaches are public BUT people want to enter using the private property.
The need to learn that they do not have the right to enter into a private property to access the public beach.
The dominican government does not respect private property either, they want to declare public 60 meters from the beach even in private property without any compensation.
Forget compensation for private property—public beach access should be a right. It’s time for Dominicans to stand up and reclaim unrestricted access to their own beaches, free from the control of property owners. There’s only one solution: if you own beachfront property, you must provide public access, allowing people to reach the shore without obstruction.
 

bob saunders

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Jan 1, 2002
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Forget compensation for private property—public beach access should be a right. It’s time for Dominicans to stand up and reclaim unrestricted access to their own beaches, free from the control of property owners. There’s only one solution: if you own beachfront property, you must provide public access, allowing people to reach the shore without obstruction.
Sure, now they would just pick up their garbage it wouldn't be a problem. There are plenty of good beaches that there is public access to.
 

livio

Member
Dec 13, 2007
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Sure, now they would just pick up their garbage it wouldn't be a problem. There are plenty of good beaches that there is public access to.
That is whole different problem that for sure needs to be worked out. Dominicans need 100% full access to their beaches.
 

Manuel01

Well-known member
Apr 1, 2009
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Interesting Subject. According to law; you could access every beach, even of the most luxurious Resort by Boat or even by walking at the shoreline.
Practically there is no way that they let you. Anybody ever tried ?
 
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Gadfly

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Jul 7, 2016
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Few yes ago I was told “guests only” by staff at beaches in front of AIs and my beach access was denied! At JD & PC
 
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CristoRey

Welcome To Wonderland
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Few yes ago I was told “guests only” by staff at beaches in front of AIs and my beach access was denied! At JD & PC
Exactamente!
Selective enforcement of laws is and always will be the norm so long as the country is run by Domimicans.
 

NanSanPedro

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Apr 12, 2019
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Boca Chica
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Interesting Subject. According to law; you could access every beach, even of the most luxurious Resort by Boat or even by walking at the shoreline.
Practically there is no way that they let you. Anybody ever tried ?
I've walked a lot of the Boca Chica and Andres beaches. Never had a problem. Sitting at a table? Totally different.
 
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JD Jones

Moderator:North Coast,Santo Domingo,SW Coast,Covid
Jan 7, 2016
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Never tried. I generally don't walk that far east as there is nothing there. I have swam at the litte cove just west of it. No issues at all.

You'll be in for a rude awakening if you try. ;)
 

windeguy

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Jul 10, 2004
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Dominicans in general do not respect private property; the beaches are public BUT people want to enter using the private property.
The need to learn that they do not have the right to enter into a private property to access the public beach.
The dominican government does not respect private property either, they want to declare public 60 meters from the beach even in private property without any compensation.
If the property that surrounds a beach is entirely owned privately, that private land owner is under no obligation to allow people to cross their private property to go to that beach. If that is true in the OP, then that is why tear gas was used to stop those from violating the right of the private land owner.

The 60 meter laws are not relevant in that very specific situation since there is no public access other than by water to that section of the beach.

That this so-called privatization was allowed to happen in some places and is the fault of those in government approving the developments along the beach and not providing for a right of way for the public to enter such beaches. Blame corrupt and not forward thinking governments and the fact that money talks and BS walks.

This kind of privatization was tried at Encuentro Beach in Cabarete and the developer lost that battle with the surfers keeping Encuentro open for their sport.

There is more limited access than ever to Kite Beach in Cabarete for the reasons of all the private developments that were allowed along that part of Cabarete Beach, and that is a problem for some kiters, but I doubt that situation will improve and access will remain limited because the local government did not do well on that. Sounds like the OP's local government did not pay attention to the situation and now it is too late. Those people being tear gassed don't have a shoulder to cry on...
 
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windeguy

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Jul 10, 2004
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Interesting Subject. According to law; you could access every beach, even of the most luxurious Resort by Boat or even by walking at the shoreline.
Practically there is no way that they let you. Anybody ever tried ?
Your are correct that if you don't go over private land, you can access any beach legally.