GRATEFUL ANGUILLA BIDS REVOLUTIONARY HERO FAREWELL

The thoughts of many Anguillians are still lingering, in fond and respectful memory, on the late Honourable John Roosevelt (Bob) Rogers. Passed from this life on June 1, 2020, at the age of just over 84 years, he was accorded a National Funeral on Saturday, July 4, for his pivotal role in the 1967 Anguilla Revolution.
He served as a member of the Peacekeeping Committee established to run the day-to-day affairs of the island following the expulsion of the St. Kitts police. Seventeen years later, he went on to serve as an Honourable Nominated Member of the House of Assembly from 1984-1989. He was awarded the Anguilla Badge of Honour and Queen’s Certificate prior to 1995 and, over the years, until his passing, he maintained an active interest in the political affairs and economic development of the island.
The late revolutionary patriot, a close associate of late revolutionaries Ronald Webster and Atlin Harrigan, was accorded the National Funeral by the Government of Anguilla then headed by former Premier Victor Banks and was supported by the present Government led by Dr. Ellis Webster.
Mr. Rogers’ body spent Friday, June 3rd in the House of Assembly for public viewing. Following that the Royal Anguilla Police Force, along with the Cadets Corps joined the funeral procession to St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral for the Service of Thanksgiving on June 4th. The service was conducted by the Rt. Rev. Errol Brooks assisted by Rev. Raliville Christian.
During the tribute session, Mr. Rogers was praised for his sterling contribution to Anguilla as a revolutionist and later in life to the island’s tourism industry through his taxi and tours services for many years.
The main tribute bearers, who highlighted the life and work of Mr. Rogers and their interaction with him, in order of delivery, were: the President of the Anguilla Taxi Association, Mr. Wilmoth Hodge; former Leader of the Opposition, Ms. Palmavon Webster; former Premier, Mr. Victor Banks; former Chief Minister, Mr. Hubert Hughes (via recording); former Minister of Health and Social Development, Mr. Evans Rogers; newly-appointed Leader of the Opposition and former Minister of Home Affairs, Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge; and the newly-elected Premier, Dr. Ellis Webster.

A thank-you and farewell message to his father was delivered by one of his sons, Mr. Carlyle Rogers, and the eulogy was presented by another son, Mr. Conrad Rogers, who said in part: “Because my father wanted to see Anguilla become its new self, he continued to serve his country the best way he knew. He continued to be politically active and to promote what he believed was the true spirit and the singular purpose of the Revolution: that is, to build a new Anguilla – not the Anguilla he was born into – but an Anguilla that realises its full potential. He believed progress was made, but more could have, and should have been, accomplished after fifty-three years since the Anguilla Revolution.”

Tributes in song were rendered by the inter-denominational Jubilee Choir led by Ms. Lois Hazell and by the Ebenezer Methodist Mens’ Fellowship Choir. The Ebenezer Boys’ Brigade Band joined the Royal Anguilla Police/Community Band and the Organist, Mr. Duvannie Richardson, in providing the rousing music for the National Funeral Service.

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In his sermon, the Rt. Rev. Errol Brooks joined in commending the late Mr. Rogers for his patriotic service; and, like the previous speakers, he spoke about Mr. Rogers’ role in the Anguilla Revolution.

“Bob loved Anguilla so much that he was willing to throw in his lot with those who led the way in seeking Anguilla’s secession from the unitary State of St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla,” he recalled. “That was a time of great uncertainty. I wonder if we really, on this end, understand the gravity of the situation then. It was risky business. What, if the tide had turned? It was really risky business and yet he was prepared to take that risk.

“He did not shirk from what he considered to be his duty to his island-home in seeking a better way of life for his people. And so, today, we are the beneficiaries of the efforts of the early pioneers [like him]. In his own voice, Bob has given a detailed account of what transpired during that period of Anguilla’s history. I hope that his oral presentation will be preserved – not only to his memory – but for the enlightenment of generations of Anguillians to come.
The Bishop continued:”Bob’s love for Anguilla and his interest in the development of Anguilla did not cease with the granting of separation from St. Kitts-Nevis. He maintained a keen interest in the affairs of Anguilla and was not afraid to express his opinions. Bob and those early pioneers were patriots of Anguilla. The mantle has been passed on to us.”

Bishop Brooks delivered a message of Biblical hope and comfort to the deceased’s family and the entire gathering throughout the rest of his sermon, followed by the concluding portions of the Service of Thanksgiving.

After that, the funeral cortege wended its way to the south of the Church-yard Cemetery where the Revolutionary’s body was laid to rest. The National Flag, which covered his casket, was presented to his wife, Mrs. Lilian Rogers, by Sergeant Delvin Fleming of the Royal Anguilla Police Force, on behalf of the Government of Anguilla. A volley of gunfire, in honour of Mr. Rogers, was discharged at the gravesite by a police salute contingency. Flags flew at half-mast the day before and the day of the National Funeral as a mark of respect for the fallen revolutionary hero.