Monrovia — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has defended his longstanding choice to retain the late Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Sylvester M. Grigsby, regardless of public criticism, describing the fallen statesman as a person of unmatched integrity, self-discipline, and competence—qualities he stated many detractors by no means understood.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh (0886729972) – [email protected]
The President spoke on Sunday at a Legacy Service honoring Grigsby’s life and contributions. The ceremony, organized by the Joseph Nyuma Boakai Basis, was held on the S.T. Nagbe United Methodist Church in Monrovia.
The occasion drew a number of high-profile attendees, together with former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Dr. Togba-Nah Tipoteh, Amb. Dew Mason, the widow Cleopatra Sangay Dudley Grigsby, together with senior officers, diplomats, household, and buddies.
“Individuals Did Not Know His Value” – President Boakai
Addressing the congregation, President Boakai condemned people he described as “misinformed voices” who persistently demanded Grigsby’s removing.
“Our society has gone so dangerous that the mediocre are those individuals cherish,” he stated. “Typically we search for substance, not simply individuals. Many don’t know why we maintain onto sure people.”
He added:
“It’s no shock that individuals shout, ‘Do away with this individual,’ with out figuring out who they’re or what they bring about. You is perhaps searching for friendship, however I search for friendship and high quality.”
A Relationship Constructed on Belief and Service
President Boakai revealed that after shedding the 2017 elections to former President George Weah, he established the Joseph Nyuma Boakai Basis and instantly reached out to Grigsby—regardless of the inspiration having no monetary assets on the time.
“When Sylvester got here to the inspiration, we didn’t have cash. I used to be not paying him,” he recalled. “However he stayed. He was disciplined, sensible, humble—nearly like a brother to me.”
Boakai stated Grigsby maintained the identical dedication after changing into Minister of State.
“He stayed at work late into the night time. Many individuals who couldn’t attain me went straight to Sylvester’s workplace,” he famous.
Liberia’s Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Samuel A. Stevquoah, described Amb. Sylvester Grigsby not solely as his boss but in addition as a mentor and true patriot. Stevquoah, who served alongside Grigsby on the Ministry of State earlier than being appointed to the publish following Grigsby’s passing, stated the late statesman’s steerage and mentorship proceed to encourage him and the employees.
He prolonged heartfelt appreciation to the Grigsby household for permitting their beloved one to serve his nation and its individuals with such devotion.
Amb. Dew Mason: “His Accusers Lied”
Additionally talking on the service, Ambassador Dew Mason denounced the allegations beforehand made in opposition to the late Minister, calling them “outlandish” and fueled by envy.
“Greg was a sufferer of lies from individuals who had been no equals to him in character or intelligence,” Mason stated. “Greatness exposes the inadequacy of small women and men. However historical past is already eroding these lies.”
A Life Outlined by Self-discipline, Integrity, and Service
Sylvester M. Grigsby, 74, died on August 9, 2025 in Houston, Texas after a protracted sickness. His household remembered him as a person of “light power, immense generosity, unwavering integrity, and deep devotion to Liberia.”
Born on October 15, 1950, in Sinoe County to Nyanabo and Numah Mondubue, he was later adopted by Harrison Grigsby Sr. and Diana Sylvia Grigsby (“Mama and Papa Coronary heart”), whose upbringing formed his values: self-discipline, religion, loyalty, and a lifelong dedication to public service.
He leaves behind a grieving household—and a nation that’s “higher for the love he shared so freely.”
