1. Composition

The Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs appointed the National Advisory Commission (NAC) on March 3rd 2000. It is comprised of representatives of the Government, the Opposition and other major political parties, trade unions, civil society, tertiary level institutions and others. The membership of the Commission reflects the aim of creating a resolutely unified and national front in the face of the Guatemalan threat to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Belize.

2. Role

The role of the NAC can be characterized as falling under two broad heads:

• Generally advising the Government of Belize on developments and relations between Belize and Guatemala as they evolve, in relation to the territorial claim; and
• Keeping the nation informed of relevant developments in Belize - Guatemala relations and promoting national unity around the Belize Position, in relation to the territorial claim.

3. Specific Objectives

The primary objectives of the NAC will center on the following:

• Advising the Government on a definitive settlement of the Guatemala claim to Belize;
• Assisting, where possible, in the implementation of strategies to settle the dispute;
• Staying current on the latest developments and information regarding the claim;
• Advising on strategies and negotiating positions;
• Devising and implementing appropriate public relations and awareness programs to keep the nation reasonably and relevantly informed;
• Devising and implementing consultation processes to maintain a national consensus on important positions and decisions to be taken by the Government and to maintain national unity on the Belize Position;
• Advising on the latest Guatemalan reactions and positions.

4. Interface with Government

In performing its role and executing its objectives, the NAC receives directions and updates from and reports to the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs through the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Generally, administrative interfacing between the NAC and the Government or any other government-appointed group involved in the Belize-Guatemala relations shall occur through the NAC Secretariat located at the New Administrative Building in Belmopan.