FROM NEGOTIATION TO JUDGMENT: WHAT IS THE OAS'S ROLE NOW?

SPECIAL SUNNDAY FEATURE:                                                                                                                                                Belize Belize City: Sunday 28th June 2026: For more than three decades, Belize and Guatemala have pursued one of the most complex territorial disputes in the Americas through peaceful means rather than armed confrontation.

Throughout much of that period, the Organization of American States (OAS) served as the principal regional facilitator, encouraging dialogue, reducing tensions along the border, and seeking a negotiated settlement acceptable to both governments.

Despite years of diplomacy, however, no political agreement could be reached.

Recognizing that negotiations had reached their practical limits, both countries agreed upon another path: allowing the people themselves to decide whether the dispute should be submitted to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

That decision was historic.

Belizeans voted in a national referendum.

Guatemalans voted in their own national referendum.

In both countries, the electorate approved submitting the territorial dispute to the ICJ for a final and legally binding determination under international law.

That referendum fundamentally changed the process.

From that moment onward, the question of sovereignty, territorial boundaries, islands, and maritime areas ceased to be a matter of political negotiation and became a matter of judicial determination before an independent international court.

This distinction is essential.

The ICJ is not another negotiating table.

Its judges do not broker political compromises.

Their responsibility is to interpret international law and decide the case solely on the evidence, treaties, historical records, legal arguments, and applicable principles presented by Belize and Guatemala.

Neither the OAS, nor either government, nor any political institution determines that legal outcome.

That responsibility belongs exclusively to the Court.

Why, then, is the OAS still involved?

This is the question many Belizeans are asking.

The answer is that the OAS is no longer attempting to settle the legal dispute.

Its role has evolved.

Today, the OAS continues to support peace and stability while the Court completes its work. Through its presence in the Adjacency Zone and its confidence-building initiatives, it helps reduce tensions and encourages both countries to continue respecting peaceful processes.

• Once the ICJ delivers its judgment, the OAS may also assist in facilitating cooperation during implementation—not by altering the Court's decision, but by helping both countries maintain dialogue, confidence, and regional stability as they carry out their international obligations.

This is an important distinction that deserves to be clearly communicated to the public.

The Judgment Will Not Be the End

Many Belizeans understandably think that once the ICJ announces its decision, the matter will simply end.

In reality, the judgment will begin a new phase.

That phase may require technical work, continued diplomatic engagement, cooperation between institutions, confidence-building measures, and public education to ensure that the Court's ruling is implemented peacefully and responsibly.

Whatever the judgment contains, the implementation process should be guided by respect for international law, national sovereignty, and regional peace.

The Government's Responsibility

As Belize approaches one of the most important moments in its diplomatic history, citizens deserve more than headlines announcing that the OAS continues to support the process.

They deserve a clear explanation of what that support now means.

The Government should explain:

• What responsibilities remain with the ICJ.
• What responsibilities belong to Belize.
• What responsibilities belong to Guatemala.
• What role, if any, the OAS will play after the judgment.
• What citizens should realistically expect during the implementation period.

Public understanding is not a political luxury.

It is an essential element of democratic governance.

National Perspective

• Belizeans voted to place this dispute before the International Court of Justice because they sought a final legal determination—not an indefinite continuation of political negotiations.

As the Court approaches its final judgment, the national conversation should now focus on preparing the country for peaceful implementation, institutional readiness, and respect for international law.

The Belizean people have demonstrated patience throughout this long process.

• They have earned the right to be fully informed about what comes next.

Because in matters of sovereignty, informed citizens strengthen the nation.

A well-informed people is the first guarantee that peace, stability, and the rule of law will prevail after the Court delivers its final judgment.