All this can be achieved without "losing" Belize's cultural identity which has and continues to be a big fear amongst Belizeans. In fact, Belize's cultural identity and history, which is as unique as Guatemala's, must be actively promoted nationally and internationally, and a sense of pride and nationalism should be instilled in all Belizeans to ensure that all who are Belizeans feel that they are an integral part of this country and that their opinions and contributions are fundamental to the development of their country. Therefore, if closer cooperation is achieved with Guatemala and the rest of Central America, Belizeans will be secure that nothing of who they are or what is theirs will diminish, but in fact be enhanced.

The above are only some of the possibilities for future co-operation between Belize and Guatemala. It is only the beginning. The next step is to join forces and together face the new and more complex challenges of the future. The progress which has been made cannot be undone; recognition of Belize has been achieved, and there is mutual understanding and respect of each other. Past treaties and negotiations show that there is a will to resolve this long-standing dispute. However, at this juncture there must be more than a willingness, but a determination that co-operation is crucial to the future success and development of both countries.

Also, it is well to bear in mind the role of the United States at this juncture. Since the independence of Belize in 1981, it is fair to say that the U.S. has been firmly supportive of Belize's sovereignty. As earlier explained, this had initially to do with the Reagan Administration's conception of regional geopolitics. With the end of the Cold War, the redemocratization of Latin America and the termination of the civil wars in Nicaragua and El Salvador, the U.S. interests in the region are concentrated primarily on the maintenance of stability and the advancement of President Clinton's hemispheric free trade agenda. For this, the absence of either internal or international conflicts is essential. Thus, the U.S. clearly wishes Guatemala to pursue the peace process with the U.R.N.G. and avoid problems with Belize. So it was that after the ouster of President Serrano, there was unequivocal diplomatic intervention on the part of the U.S. to prevent any reversal by new President De Leon Carpio of Serrano's recognition of Belize. Indeed, so blunt was the U.S. message in this regard, delivered by U.S. Ambassador Macaffee, that there was an outcry in the Guatemalan press over the Ambassador's violation of Guatemalan dignity and usurpation of the President's powers.

Add to this, the continuing relationship of the United Kingdom with Belize, and the preservation of today's status quo between Belize and Guatemala seems unsured. This paper has already dealt with the historical role of the U.K. We have seen how she went from inflexible defender of her colonial rights for Belize or to enlightened bestower of full independence with a defence guarantee to underwrite it. Of course that defence guarantee has now been terminated:

"To be responsible for one's own defence and security is one of the most significant attributes of sovereign and independent nationhood. To have to continue to rely on the former colonial power for defence after independence was always a second best option forced on Belize by unavoidable circumstances. In our view those circumstances no longer exist: the Central American region which was an area of conflict and instability in the 1980s is now enjoying increasing peace , security and mutual cooperation; and furthermore, Guatemala has recognized Belize, relations have been normalized and are steadily improving. It is therefore opportune for the British military and security relationship with Belize to evolve into the same kind of relationship which we enjoy with other independent Commonwealth countries with whom we have training arrangements and other kinds of defence and security cooperation." (148)

It can be argued that historically, Britain's interests in Belize were to maintain Belize as part of their empire even though their economic interests were limited. It was part of the whole colonial mystique to have Belize continue under their domain. However, with the 1960 U.N. pronouncement that independence should be granted to colonial countries, Britain agreed to independence for Belize. The following are some of the important factors which influenced as well:

1. The U.K. wanted an orderly devolution of power and sovereignty. She felt an obligation to ensure as fair a transition as possible.

2. She still considered herself something of a world power and felt a need to ensure that the move from colonialism to independence for Belize could not be interpretted as a week lesson on her part. This is perhaps why the U.K. didn't give in to Guatemala's protests on Belize's independence.

3. The fear that Belize, during the Cold War, would be an extension of the Soviet Block with Cuba's proximity, promted them to grant concessions to Belize.

But the U.K. is still committed to a degree of military cooperation with Belize; and has pledged to take part in any "appropriate response" should Belize be threatened. This continuing interest in Belize is the result not only of historical circumstances, but also of the U.K.'s leadership of the Commonwealth of Nations, of which Belize is a small but prominent member. Whatever claim the U.K. still has to world rank, is founded on her U.N. Security Council Permanent Membership, her role in Europe and her leadership of the Commonwealth. In this context, she obviously still feels a moral responsibility for Belize and this is well recognized by Guatemala.

For all these reasons then, it would seem there is no going back for Belize and Guatemala. But is there any going forward? Past treaties and negotiations show that there is a will to resolve this long-standing dispute. However, at this juncture there must be more than a willingness, but a determination that cooperation is crucial to the future success and development of both countries. So much time has gone and this region has only up to the end of this century to prepare itself for the inevitable global economic changes occurring. There is an urgency therefore, for Belize and Guatemala to sit down and draft a new economic plan that will define each country's role far into the 21st Century as they occupy important geographical and economic places in Central America and the Caribbean Basin. While the losses cannot be recuperated, both countries can now forge forward, securing a prosperous and peaceful future for their generations to come.