C. L. B. Rogers

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.

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	(1928-01-25)January 25, 1928 Tela, Honduras
Died	July 25, 1996(1996-07-25) (aged 68) Belize City, Belize
Nationality	Belizean
Political party	People's United Party (after 1961) National Independence Party (1958–1961)

Early life

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.

Diplomatic career and later life

After leaving office, Rogers served as the Belizean ambassador to the United Nations.^[4][5]

He passed away on 25 July 1996 in Belize City at the age of 68.^[6]

Electoral history

• 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)