Anguilla was awoken on Sunday, October 28, 2018 to the sad news of the passing of the Honourable Speaker of the Anguilla House of Assembly, the late Mr. Leroy Clifford Rogers. Mr. Rogers served for more than fourteen years as Speaker over the periods 1994 – 2005 and later 2015 to the time of his passing. He also served as second nominated member from 2010 – 2015.
The late Mr. Roy Rogers, as he was affectionately known throughout the island, finally succumbed to an eighteen month bout with illness that came about during his travel to Australia carrying out a part of his function as Speaker at a Conference organized by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). The late Mr. Rogers was highly regarded by his colleagues in the CPA and he served as a representative of the Caribbean Region on the Executive Committee of that organization.
I always refer to the late Speaker as a “humble giant” because of his quiet demeanour which truly disguised the persona of a man of tremendous strength, courage and determination. He had a reputation for being the essence of the definition of a “jack of all trades” and as a consequence pursued many career paths and several ventures throughout his life. The community will remember him for his “hands-on” approach and his total immersion in whatever project he undertook. You can always count on him to be part of the solution. He was a fixer.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his children, his siblings and his entire family at this time, as they mourn the loss of this fallen patriot who believed in his country and contributed in so many ways to make it a better place for all Anguillians. Despite our sadness at his untimely passing — we could never appreciate the heartrending pain that the family must be experiencing at this time. He was well loved.
On behalf of the Government and People of Anguilla and on my own behalf and that of my family we extend our deepest condolences to the Roger’s family as they seek comfort and closure in the days, weeks, months and years ahead.
May his soul rest in peace!+
– Press Release
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
