C. L. B. Rogers

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). 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. == 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. 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. 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. He died on 25 July 1996 in Belize City at the age of 68. == 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) == References ==