Our island was awoken this morning to the sad news of the passing of the Late Hon. John Roosevelt Rogers, (former Nominated Member of the Anguilla House of Assembly) affectionately known to all of us as “Bob Rogers”. He slipped quietly away in the wee hours of the morning at the Princess Alexandra Hospital.
The entire Anguillian community, at home and in the diaspora, are in a state of mourning for our fallen patriot — but this can never compare to the deep sense of loss and heart-wrenching pain that his dear wife Lilian, their children and grandchildren must be experiencing at this time.
In my address at the ceremony to mark the 53rd celebration of Anguilla Day, I distinguished Mr. Rogers as the last surviving Leader of the Anguilla Revolution. His passing today indicates that, at this juncture, all the past Leaders of that early struggle are no longer with us. We pray that all their souls are at rest in eternal peace.
Since returning to Anguilla from his travels to seek employment in the UK, Bob became an active member of that leading group of patriots who spearheaded the Revolution, including the Father of the Nation, The Hon. James Ronald Webster and The Hon. Atlin Noraldo Harrigan. Throughout that part of the struggle even up to his passing Bob remains a household name in the political arena. He was never shy in expressing his views on any subject and had a clear vision of what he felt was the best path for Anguilla. And his views were widely sought after.
I believe that I was able to capture his last thoughts, a few days ago from his hospital bed, when he said to me by phone that like Winston Churchill: “What he did he did! And he did it for Anguilla”! I had no idea at the time that those would be his last words to me — but I feel blessed to have been able to take them forward at the Anguilla Day Ceremony.
But besides his exploits in activist politics, Bob was a pioneer in the Tourism Sector in the area of Taxi & Tour Services from which he launched into the wider world of business, particularly Real Estate. Bob had a penchant for excellence and, as a result, he would always have immaculate vehicles for his taxi operations and quality properties for his real estate business. Through all these endeavours, Bob epitomized that Anguillian spirit of entrepreneurship that brought much success to him and his family and distinguished him as a mentor for many of his colleagues in the Taxi Business.
Today as we grieve for this fallen patriot as a community we will also remember the many ways in which he impacted us as individuals. There are many stories to be told. However, I am certain that everyone knew exactly where Bob stood on every issue. He was always forthright, open and honest with his opinions. Love him or leave him — as the saying goes!
On behalf of the Government and people of Anguilla, as well as on my own behalf and that of my family, let me extend my condolences and expressions of support to his loving wife and loyal companion, Lilian, and her family at this very challenging time. We thank all of you for sharing this fallen patriot with us while on this earth, and pray that you will find comfort and support from the Almighty in the days, weeks, months and years ahead.
May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace!
