C. L. B. Rogers
C. L. B. Rogers | |
|---|---|
 Official portrait of C. L. B. Rogers | |
| Member of the Belize House of Representatives for Mesopotamia | |
| In office 26 March 1961 – 21 November 1979 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 25, 1928 Tela, Honduras |
| Died | July 25, 1996 (aged 68) |
| Nationality | Belizean |
| Political party | People's United Party (after 1961) National Independence Party (1958–1961) |
| Known for | Founding member of NIP Key figure in Belize’s path to independence Deputy Prime Minister and UN Permanent Representative |
Carl Lindbergh Bernard Rogers (25 January 1928 – 25 July 1996), commonly known as C. L. B. Rogers, was a Belizean politician, government minister, and diplomat. He played a key role in Belize’s political development before and after independence.
Early life
[edit]Rogers's birth date is confirmed as 25 January 1928. He was allegedly born in Tela, Honduras, though all passenger and immigration records — including his arrival in Florida at age 16 — list his birthplace as British Honduras (now Belize).[1] He was raised by his mother, Jane Messam. Educated through Standard 6 at Wesley Primary School, Rogers continued his education informally, becoming known for his intelligence and public-speaking ability.[2]
Political career
[edit]Rogers was a founding member of the National Independence Party in 1958, winning a seat on the Belize City Council under its banner in December of that year.[3]
A member of the People’s United Party after 1961, Rogers was first elected to the British Honduras Legislative Assembly (now the Belize House of Representatives) in 1961 from the Belize City-based Mesopotamia constituency. A close political ally of PUP leader and Premier George Cadle Price, Rogers served as Minister of Home Affairs and Deputy Premier. Known for his behind-the-scenes influence, Rogers was sometimes described as a “Godfather” of Belizean politics.[2]
He was defeated for re-election in 1979 by the United Democratic Party's Curl Thompson.
Diplomatic career and later life
[edit]After leaving office, Rogers served as the Belizean ambassador to the United Nations.[4][5]
He died on 25 July 1996 in Belize City at the age of 68.[6]
Electoral history
[edit]- 1958 – Elected to Belize City Council (NIP)
- 1961 – Elected to British Honduras Legislative Assembly for Mesopotamia (PUP)
- 1961–1979 – Held Cabinet positions including Deputy Premier
- 1979 – Lost Mesopotamia seat to Curl Thompson (UDP)
References
[edit]- ^ "Florida, United States Passenger and Crew Lists". FamilySearch. Retrieved 9 July 2025.
- ^ a b "Photo exhibition honours C.L.B. Rogers". Channel 5 Belize. 1 October 2002. Retrieved 9 July 2025.
- ^ "From The Publisher". Amandala. 22 February 2011. Retrieved 9 July 2025.
- ^ "Deputy Prime Minister of Belize addresses UN General Assembly Fourth Committee". Belize Archives and Records Service. 4 November 1976. Retrieved 9 July 2025.
- ^ "Permanent Missions to the United Nations" (PDF). UN Digital Library. Retrieved 9 July 2025.
- ^ "Remembering C.L.B. Rogers". Channel 5 Belize. 25 July 1996. Retrieved 9 July 2025.