Monrovia: On August 14, 2025, First Lady Kartumu Boakai joined President Joseph N. Boakai and senior government officials at the Executive Mansion to pay tribute to the late Ambassador Sylvester Grigsby, signing the official book of condolence for the respected statesman who passed away on August 9 after a prolonged illness.
The First Lady, embodying her role as Mother of the Nation, offered heartfelt reflections on Grigsby’s distinguished career, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to Liberia’s development and his reputation as a humble public servant. “His legacy of service transcended politics,” Mrs. Boakai remarked, her voice filled with emotion. “Ambassador Grigsby’s dedication to his family, his nation, and humanity leaves an indelible mark that will continue to inspire generations.”
The solemn ceremony marked the beginning of official mourning for the former Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, whose death has been met with an outpouring of grief across the country. In accordance with presidential directives, Liberian flags now fly at half-mast nationwide as the government observes a period of mourning for one of its most dedicated civil servants.
Mrs. Boakai extended personal condolences to the grieving family, offering prayers for strength and comfort during their loss. President Boakai’s administration has announced that the book of condolence will remain open at the Executive Mansion for the coming week, allowing citizens and foreign dignitaries alike to pay their respects to a man whose life’s work became synonymous with patriotic service.
Liberia’s Minister of State Sylvester Grigsby, was pronounced dead on Saturday, August 9, 2025, sending waves of grief across the nation.
In a statement Saturday, President Boakai expressed profound sorrow over the loss of his longtime aide and confidant.
“I received the passing of my Chief of Staff, Minister Sylvester Grigsby, with immense sadness and shock,” President Boakai said. “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.”
Describing Grigsby as a man of “firm principles, clear vision, and unwavering dedication to public service,” the President reflected on their decades-long friendship, calling him “a friend and a brother.”
Grigsby, known for his strategic leadership and stabilizing presence, played a key role in the Boakai administration. His death has drawn an outpouring of tributes from government officials, colleagues, and citizens alike. “Today, as a nation, we honor his memory,” President Boakai stated. “We remember his dedication, courage, humanity, and the balance he provided in difficult times.”
On Sunday, August 10, 2025, the Liberian government formally announced with profound sorrow the passing of Ambassador Sylvester M. Grigsby, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs and Chief of Staff to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. The distinguished statesman died on August 9, 2025, in the United States after a period of illness. He was 74 years old.
In an official statement released from Capitol Hill, the government extended condolences to the grieving family, staff of the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs, and the nation at large. Ambassador Grigsby leaves behind an extraordinary legacy spanning over four decades of dedicated public service. His remarkable career included serving as Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of State without Portfolio under former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.
As a seasoned diplomat, he represented Liberia with distinction as Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, with concurrent accreditations to the European Union Headquarters in Brussels, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The late minister’s expertise in foreign affairs was further demonstrated through his two tenures as Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he served both as Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration.
A native of Sinoe County, Grigsby also served his home region as County Superintendent.
Beyond government service, he made significant contributions to Liberia’s media landscape as the founder of the Sun Times Newspaper in the early 1980s. The independent publication earned widespread respect for its coverage of governance, human rights, arts, entertainment, and sports during a challenging period in Liberia’s history. Funeral arrangements will be announced following consultations with the family, according to the government statement signed by Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah.
