By: G. Bennie Bravo Johnson, I
Liberian Leader, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, through the JNB Foundation on Sunday, December 7, 2025, held a memorial service in honor of former Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Sylvester M. Grigsby. Minister Grigsby — who died on August 9, 2025 — served as former Executive Director of the Joseph Nyuma Boakai Foundation, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and former Minister of State Without Portfolio. The memorial service was held at the Stephen Trowen Nagbe United Methodist Church in Sinkor.
Meanwhile, President Boakai described the fallen Minister as a humble and close friend. “Sylvester was my student when I became head of the boys’ dorm at CWA — he was very smart, humble, and intelligent. He was always loved for who he was.” He continued: “People don’t know why we hold on to certain people. People shout, ‘Get rid of these people,’ not knowing the relationship between you and the people. I don’t look for people; I look for quality and commitment.”
The President noted that Grigsby was more than a friend: “He was not a friend; he was a brother with whom I built a relationship based on trust and respect. So all those that were talking, were just talking because they wanted to talk.” President Boakai reflected on Grigsby’s dedication, adding that the fallen Minister was a reliable and committed Liberian who served with distinction. “We lost a true Liberian. A brilliant Liberian who we have lost.”
Born on October 15, 1950, in Butaw, Sinoe County, Sylvester M. Grigsby rose from humble beginnings to become one of Liberia’s most experienced and respected statesmen. Adopted and raised by Harrison and Diana Grigsby, he completed secondary school at the College of West Africa before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Cuttington University in 1973. He later obtained a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Tsukuba in Japan.
Grigsby entered public service in the mid-1970s as Assistant Minister for Economic Affairs before becoming Deputy Minister for International Cooperation in 1979. Over the next four decades, he held several ambassadorial, diplomatic, and ministerial roles, including Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador to Belgium and the Benelux countries, and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs in 2010. In 1993, he received the Grand Band of the Order of the Star of Africa, one of Liberia’s highest honors.
Beyond diplomacy, Grigsby ventured into journalism and private enterprise. In the 1980s, he founded the Sun Times Newspaper, promoting independent journalism during periods of political tension. He also served as Executive Vice Chairman of the Liberia Maritime and Stevedoring Company. Even while in exile during the civil conflict, he remained a voice of intellect, moderation, and patriotism.
After the civil war, Grigsby returned to Liberia and continued public service, including serving as Superintendent of Sinoe County. From 2009 onward, he re-assumed senior roles in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and later became a trusted advisor in national governance.
His most influential role came as Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, first under President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and later under President Boakai. Known for his strict work ethic, humility, and exceptional grasp of statecraft, Grigsby was widely regarded as a stabilizing force within the administration and Boakai’s closest confidant. He played a pivotal role in shaping government priorities — including the ARREST development agenda — and was instrumental in establishing the War and Economic Crimes Court, a landmark achievement within Boakai’s first 110 days.
Despite holding one of the highest offices in the country, Grigsby remained a quiet operator who avoided political showmanship. His honesty, discipline, and statesmanship earned him admiration across political lines. Many officials described him as a man capable of navigating complex national crises with calmness and unmatched institutional knowledge.
