C. L. B. Rogers
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
National Independence Party (1958–1961)
Key figure in Belize’s path to independence
Deputy Prime Minister and UN Permanent Representative
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) |
| 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.
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
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.