Pres. Boakai Mourns Former Minister Grigsby -Describes His Passing as Immeasurable Loss

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has described the passing of Minister Sylvester Grigsby as an immeasurable loss to his Administration and to the nation as a whole.

Family sources confirmed that the renowned Liberian diplomat, statesman, and trusted confidant of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, has died while receiving treatment in the United States on August 9, 2025.   

President Boakai, upon receiving the tragic news expressed profound shock and deep sorrow of the sudden passing of Sylvester M. Grigsby, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs.

In response to the shocking news, the Liberian leader said the decades of dedicated public service, exceptional leadership, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of Liberia by Amb. Grigsby will be missed.

“Minister Grigsby was a trusted friend, an astute statesman, and a pillar of integrity in public service", he re-emphasized.

The Heritage Newspaper observed that Minister Grigsby had been out of the public eye for some time due to illness, though it remains unclear what condition he was suffering from. Reports suggest he was flown abroad for medical treatment.

An old-timer of the Liberian Foreign Service, Grigsby held numerous senior positions, including Deputy Minister of International Cooperation, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and ultimately Minister of Foreign Affairs during the administration of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

Very sad over the loss of his Chief of Office Staff (COS), President Boakai stated that the late statesmen counsel, experience, and steadfast dedication to the duties of his office will be sorely missed by him personally and by the entire Government.

He used the medium to extended heartfelt condolences to the grieving family of the late Minister, the staff of the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs, and all Liberians who had the privilege of working with or knowing him.

Earlier, he served as Liberia’s Ambassador to Belgium and the Benelux countries and played a key role during the Interim Government of National Unity (IGNU) under President Amos C. Sawyer.

Grigsby was twice appointed Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, first by Former President Sirleaf and later by President Boakai, where he became the most seasoned Minister in the cabinet.

Known as a “prolific speech writer” and a “czar on how to humanize power,” he brought intellectual depth, diplomacy, and humility to the Executive Mansion in Liberia.

His longstanding friendship with President Boakai, spanning more than six decades since their days at the College of West Africa, further underscored the depth of his loyalty and trust.

As the Minister of State, Grigsby played a central role in launching the Boakai Administration’s ARREST agenda. Notably, in just 110 days after Boakai took office, the War and Economic Crimes Court was established a milestone surpassing similar efforts under prior administrations.

He also headed efforts to conduct a comprehensive audit of the previous administration, aiming to recover state assets and bolster transparency.

Hon. Grigsby embodied principled leadership, diplomacy, and devotion to public service. Throughout his life, he remained steadfastly committed to governance, development, and the rule of law.  

He is widely respected for his humility, discipline, and grace, Grigsby was known for his quiet but steady leadership. In the President’s absence on official trips, he would discreetly manage Cabinet affairs, ensuring continuity without drawing public attention.