Mourning Ambassador Grigsby -Liberia Weeps for an Astute Statesman

MONROVIA – Like a thief creeping on another unsuspecting victim, death has struck once again, and this time, just when the nation least expected, another big tree has fallen. The shocking news over the weekend of the passing of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s Chief of Staff and Minister of State, Ambassador Sylvester Grisgby, has not only left the nation benumbed and bewildered, but has also left many wondering as to what went wrong that a prominent political figure would meet his demise so inconspicuously. In the wake of the shocking news, Liberians have been pouring out their hearts over the loss of great statesman whose service to his country spanned over half a century; as The Analyst reports.

Mourning a “loyal friend”

For President Boakai, the news of Grigsby’s sudden passing hit home harder than anything else.

“I received the news of the passing of my Chief of Staff, Minister Sylvester Grigsby, with immense sadness and shock. I have lost a confidant, a loyal friend, and a dedicated servant. His passing leaves a huge void in my office and in the hearts of those of us who had the privilege of working alongside him.

“Sylvester was a man of firm principles, clear vision, and unwavering dedication to public service. He was a friend and a brother of many decades.

“Today, as a nation, we honor his memory. We remember his dedication, courage, humanity, and the balance he provided in difficult times. Rest well Grig,” the Liberian leader mourned his friend, confidant, and ally.

An Outpouring of National Grief

Generally, Liberians have been sending out heartfelt eulogies to the fallen statesman, in a manner that bespeaks the good-naturedness of Ambassador Grigsby.

Liberia’s Ambassador to the Republic of Senegal, Mr. Ali Sylla recalls Ambassador Grisgsby as a good man who served his country well.

“A man with professional and career letters has fallen, Hon. Sylvester M. Grigsby, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs.  One of the longest serving truly dedicated Liberian civil servant covering eras from Tubman to present. Also good man with a smile under any circumstance. Great character, great humility and great patience. He served well. Condolences to the family and Government of the Republic of Liberia,” Ambassador Sylla eulogized.

As for Liberia’s former Deputy Foreign Minister Elias Shoniyin, news of Ambassador Grigbsy’s passing left him stunned, heavy-hearted, and deeply reflective.

“We walked many corridors of service together, exchanging ideas, solving problems, and quietly shaping Liberia’s path. You led with wisdom, compassion, and grace; I was privileged to follow in your footsteps more than once, and I know firsthand the extent of your legacy.

“In every role, you gave your best. You paid your dues. And you did so with pride and dignity. Rest well, Gregg. You played your part with honor, and Liberia will remember,” Ambassador Shonyin reflected of his former boss and colleague.

Cllr. Moriah Yeakula-Korkpor who remains a critical voice in country, speaking on gender, politics and human rights, was effusively honored to have worked with Ambassador Grigsby in the diplomatic space.

“Rest in peace Amb. Grisgby. You were one of a kind. Always the calm and steady voice. Always ready to serve. A force in the diplomatic space. Many didn’t know your value. Grateful for the time our paths crossed and the work we did together. It was such an honor. Rest in peace,” she lamented.

For one who drank profoundly from the knowledge fountain of the late Ambassador Grigsby, Mr. Sando Wayne, a career public policy wonk, wasted no time to eulogize his former boss.

“With a solemn heart and the deepest respect, I join the nation in mourning the passing of Ambassador Sylvester Grigsby, a titan of Liberian diplomacy and a pillar of our Republic. His life was not merely a career; it was a testament to the enduring power of selfless service.

“Ambassador Grigsby’s journey was a masterclass in patriotism. From the halls of Cuttington College to the highest echelons of our government, he dedicated his intellect and spirit to the service of the state. To serve through the administrations of Presidents Tubman, Tolbert, Doe, Sawyer, Johnson-Sirleaf, and Boakai is to have been more than a diplomat; it is to have been a custodian of our national memory and a steady hand through our country’s most defining triumphs and trials. He was a bridge between eras, a source of stability in times of change, and a constant reminder of the dignity of public service.

“On a personal level, I was blessed to be a direct heir to his wisdom. As a young minister, I saw in him a towering statesman. Later, as his colleague, I came to know him as a generous mentor. When I succeeded him at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he did more than ensure a smooth transition; he entrusted me with a portion of his life’s work. He patiently transformed my theoretical knowledge into practical statecraft, demonstrating that true leadership is not about holding a position, but about building up the people who follow.

“And so, as we mourn this immense loss, we must also recognize the charge he has left us. His passing is not an end, but a summons. It is a persuasive call to every Liberian, especially the emerging generation of leaders, to look at his example and ask ourselves: Can we serve with such unwavering integrity? Can we mentor with such profound generosity? Can we love our country with such steadfast devotion?

“Let us honor Ambassador Grigsby’s memory not merely with words of sorrow, but with the renewal of our own commitment. Let us pick up the mantle of honorable service that he carried so gracefully for so long. His greatest legacy is not in the history books he helped to write, but in the future leaders he inspired.

“Ambassador, your earthly tour of duty is complete, but your mission endures through all of us who were fortunate enough to learn from you. You defined what it means to be a patriot.

“Farewell, great statesman. May you rest in eternal peace, your legacy secure in the nation you helped to build and the lives you forever changed,” Mr. Wayne said.

“I did not see this coming, Ambassador Sylvester Grigsby. You served your country through the decades, and just when it seemed you were anchored on a newer journey as Minister of State, your kindle gets burned out. Rest in peace, and may God have mercy on your soul,” Patrick M’bayo eulogized.

As for Ali Mohammed Kamara, Minister Sylvester Grigsby was truly a remarkable soul. His warm interactions, gentle smile, soft-spoken nature, and unwavering reliability touched all who knew him.

“Liberia has lost a great statesman—one who stood faithfully at the forefront of President Boakai’s vision, ensuring that the “ARREST Agenda” remained a priority. Today, death has spoken in its silence. President Boakai, please accept my heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your loyal and dedicated servant, who upheld the dignity and respect of the Presidency with unmatched devotion,” Mr. Kamara said stoically.

Vaye MacMillan for his part eulogized the late Minister of State as a towering Pillar of the nation.

“Since yesterday, I have been deeply dismayed upon hearing of the passing of Ambassador Sylvester Grigsby – a towering pillar of our nation. He was a renowned diplomat, distinguished public servant, and exceptional leader; he served with excellence, wisdom, grace, and compassion. Most importantly, he led with profound humility.

“As former Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Workers Association (2010-2012), I had the honor of working with him at the level of the Ministry’s Senior Management Team. His leadership, which was not just marked by clear vision, but a genuine commitment to service, was instrumental in our collective efforts to improve the welfare and development of the workforce at The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Liberia. Together, we achieved much in service to our country. His legacy of exceptional service will live on.

“Liberia has lost one of its proudest sons. I extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers for comfort to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr, the Government and People of Liberia, particularly Sinoe County, and the bereaved families. May his soul rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire us to serve with utmost humility, dedication, and wisdom in service to GOD, to country, to humanity,” MacMillan lamented.