FOR Jamaicans who moved to South Florida from the United States East Coast or Canada in the mid-1990s, there was little to remind them of home.

That has changed considerably in the past 30 years. South Florida is dotted by Jamaican commerce — from restaurants to barber shops and grocery stores. Hazelle Rogers is largely responsible for that growth.

The Kingston-born Rogers celebrates her 30th year as a public official in an area dubbed Kingston 21 by many Jamaicans because of its closeness to their homeland.

On March 12, Rogers plans to make symbolic stops in communities she has served during her tenure, including the cities of Lauderdale Lakes, Lauderhill, Oakland Park, Plantation and Sunrise. She is scheduled to visit restaurants throughout South Florida’s West Indian and Spanish communities.

“Marking this milestone with constituents is very important because I could not do this on my own. They are part of my roots and my motivation for serving,” Rogers told All Woman. “Living in a foreign country was not by choice as a young student, and I know that holds true for other immigrants.”

The eldest of three children, Rogers was raised in Franklyn Town and Vineyard Town in east Kingston. She attended Vauxhall Secondary and Camperdown High School, before migrating with her family to the United States in 1969, settling in Brooklyn, New York.

She has lived in South Florida since 1981.

Currently a Broward County commissioner, Rogers has also served as mayor of Lauderdale Lakes, and was a two-term member of the Florida senate.

She points to her aggressive lobbying for West Indian representation in local politics, among her main accomplishments.

“South Florida has grown tremendously in diversity, opportunity, and global influence. While challenges remain, life has improved for many through stronger representation, economic opportunity, and community visibility,” Rogers noted. “We have over 28 Jamaicans elected in Broward County. My leadership helped ensure the Caribbean community had a stronger voice and real opportunities.”

For Jamaicans like Dr Garth Rose, another long-time South Florida resident, that is no idle boast. He credits Rogers for creating a climate receptive to West Indian entrepreneurs.

“Hazelle has ensured that the voice of the Jamaican/Caribbean diaspora is never silent or unheard. It is also important for diaspora representatives to be able to create a nexus with Americans born and bred in America to be a strong influence, and plant the culture of the respective diaspora firmly in America,” said Rose. “That, Hazel has accomplished and continues to accomplish. There is little doubt that she has served the Jamaican Diaspora well.”

The Jamaican Government agreed. In 2020, it recognised Rogers’ contribution to the diaspora by awarding her the Order of Distinction (Commander class), Jamaica’s sixth-highest honour.

Hazelle Rogers with former Florida Senator Daryl L Jones (left) and President Barack Obama (right).

Hazelle Rogers with actor James Earl Jones.