One hundred years and going. Carl Sayers Rogers is thankful to Almighty God, and prayers were offered for his life on Tuesday, August 10 at his Hibiscus Drive, Petit Valley home.

Offering up prayers and giving a blessing were Fr Urban Hudlin OP and Rev Derek Walcott, his neighbour.

A reading from the St Paul to the Philippians was read and hymns sung. Many happy wishes were read aloud from cards sent.   Rogers reminisced about his early childhood days with his father and the joy when he got his first bicycle for Christmas. While not physically present, family members from Jamaica, Canada, England, and New York were virtually part of the event.

Rogers was born August 10, 1921, in Grenada to Ethel and William Rogers, the fifth of eight children. His father migrated to Trinidad seeking a better life and had a shoemaker shop. Rogers joined him January 1940. They lived in Woodbrook.

Rogers’ first child was Cynthia Rogers (deceased) and second, Anthony Garcia, the former Education Minister. Rogers worked at BH Rose Ltd for many years, and it was while working as a supervisor that he met his wife of 59 years, Enid Soyer. They were married February 3, 1962, and had three children, Karen Rogers-Miller, Simone Rogers (deceased) and Giselle Rogers-Graham. The couple migrated to England and after several years the family returned to Trinidad.

When asked about the secret for longevity and healthy life he said confidently, “I live in peace and try to serve God as best as I can.”

Rogers is not a picky eater but hinted that he has one secret food—sweet potato. Pre-Covid, Rogers enjoyed travelling especially with his grandchildren Giovanna and Kaori. He has been to New York, Aruba, St Lucia, Martinique, Guadalupe, Haiti, Monserrat, Canada, and Grenada.

His favourite time of year is Christmas when family members gather.