A heated debate over public access to the Hangar seafront in Belize City has escalated, pitting residents against local politicians. A group of residents is advocating for restricted access, citing concerns over security and coastal erosion. Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner has labeled the gatherings along the seafront as ‘invasions,’ emphasizing the need to protect residents’ quality of life. However, Fort George Area Representative Henry Charles Usher has voiced strong opposition, arguing that the area should remain accessible to the public as one of the few beachfront spaces available to Belizeans.
The conflict dates back to 2022 when residents first petitioned to block vehicular traffic on the seafront road. The Belize City Council initially rejected the request, but in August 2024, residents shifted their strategy, applying to the Ministry of Lands to subdivide and purchase the street. While they cited environmental and security concerns, documents suggest their intent was to privatize the area. By 2025, armed with a letter from the Commissioner of Police and community support, the council approved the closure to vehicles, though Mayor Wagner claims the decision was collective and cannot recall who initiated the petition.
Complicating matters, the street was named in honor of the late city engineer Henry C. Fairweather in 2013. His surviving relatives have expressed outrage, arguing that restricting public access would dishonor his legacy. Meanwhile, Mayor Wagner maintains that his focus is on safeguarding residents from disruptive gatherings. The controversy highlights the tension between public access and private interests, with no clear resolution in sight.