ALCOD signs Book of Condolence for Late Minister Sylvester M. Grigsby
-Describes him as a pillar of diplomacy and public service
Representatives from the All-Liberian Conference on Dual Citizenship (ALCOD) gathered on Wednesday, August 20, at the Liberian Embassy in Washington, D.C., to sign the Book of Condolence opened in honor of the late Ambassador Sylvester M. Grigsby. The delegation was led by Eminent Emmanuel S. Wettee, Chairman of ALCOD, alongside Francis Mensah, President of the European Federation of Liberian Associations (EFLA), and Arthur Doe, Executive Member of ALCOD.
Minister Grigsby passed away on August 9, 2025 in Houston, Texas, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy as a trusted statesman and public servant with a career spanning over four decades.
Mr. Doe, Eminent Wettee, Amb. Conteh and President Mensah
A Distinguished Career in Service
Born on October 15, 1950, in Sinoe County, Grigsby’s path into public service was grounded in both academic rigor and a commitment to national development. Educated at the College of West Africa, Cuttington University (earning a B.Sc. in Chemistry), and Tsukuba University in Japan (M.Sc. in Economics), he embodied both intellectual depth and global perspective.
Beginning his civil service in the late 1970s, he held numerous senior positions within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs — including Deputy Minister for International Cooperation, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Acting Foreign Minister. During Liberia’s Interim Government of National Unity, he served as Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the European Union’s ACP Secretariat, earning the Grand Band of the Order of the Star of Africa in 1993.
In the 1980s, Grigsby also made his mark in media, founding the Sun Times Newspaper, contributing to independent journalism and civic discourse during a turbulent political era.
Eminent Chairman Wettee signing the book Condolence for the late Amb. Sylvester M. Grigsby
He served as Superintendent of Sinoe County, where he initiated the County Development Trust Fund — a model for local governance and development.
Trusted Advisor Across Administrations
Grigsby was twice appointed Minister of State for Presidential Affairs — first under President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and again under President Joseph Boakai — cementing his reputation as one of Liberia’s most relied-upon and long-serving leaders.
Under President Boakai, he played a central role in launching the ARREST agenda — an ambitious initiative emphasizing Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism.
Notably, he spearheaded the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court within the first 110 days of Boakai’s administration and led a comprehensive audit of the previous government aimed at transparency and recovering state assets.
Pres. Mensah- Signing the book Condolence
Known for his impeccable work ethic — often arriving early and working late — and for diplomacy over dramatics, Grigsby earned the admiration of colleagues across the political spectrum.
His decades-long friendship with President Boakai, stretching back to their school days, added a dimension of personal trust to his professional authority.
In ALCOD’s Reflections
At the condolence event, ALCOD Chairman Eminent Emmanuel Wettee lauded Grigsby as a “champion of dual citizenship” and a steadfast supporter of diaspora initiatives.
Mr. Doe signing the book Condolence
“The late Minister Grigsby was a champion of dual citizenship… He was deeply supportive of the work and initiatives led by the diaspora community. …May his soul rest in peace.”
The delegation extended its heartfelt condolences to Liberia, the government, and the Grigsby family.
Diplomatic Exchange and Continued Commitment
Following the ceremony, ALCOD held a working meeting with Liberia’s Ambassador to the U.S., Ambassador Al Hassan Conteh, Ph.D., and Minister Counselor Charles H. V. Allen, Jr., reaffirming plans to collaborate in support of the diaspora through ALCOD’s global networks.
Legacy of Quiet Strength
From his early service in diplomacy to his leadership in governance reform, Grigsby’s legacy lies in his consistent integrity, humility, and service above self. His absence leaves a profound gap in Liberia’s institutional memory — one that his life and work compel us to honor by sustaining the values he exemplified. His remains are expected to buried on August 30th, 2025 in the United States of America.
