Family sources have confirmed to Diaspora Alert that Sylvester Grigsby, the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, has sadly passed away in the United States of America after a long illness. Many Liberians have taken to social media, alleging that Grigsby was poisoned and abandoned by the Unity Party-led government. Gboto A. Watson wrote on Facebook: Ah Mo Ali!! Must you kill Sylvester Grimsby for his Job? You could have just removed him and spare his life. While Francis Dorris wrote: Finally, UP zealots na Killed SLYVESTER.
While the late Minister of State was fighting for his life, reports suggest that Mo Ali, the Managing Director of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation, and Amos Tweh, the Managing Director of the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company, were both trying to persuade President Joseph Boakai to replace Grigsby. On May 21, 2024, Front Page Africa published a commentary that shed light on the threats against Grigsby’s life. Over the last three months, Grigsby has faced fierce opposition from different forces within the government. He has come under a string of blistering criticisms from some adversaries who have vowed never to sheathe their swords until they see the head of Grigsby roll in the platter. The core motivation for these cascading criticisms targeted at Grigsby is the fact that some within the very Executive Mansion do not want him occupying the post. At the same time, there are some at the legislature who are hellbent on pestering the President to remove his Minister of State because, according to them, he is unfit for the job. How can a man with such unparalleled depth of experience in public service and who served in similar roles and performed with exemplary distinctions be unfit for the job now? It is sheer absurdity for anyone to argue with a straight face that Grigsby is unfit for the job. The man unarguably possesses a towering pedigree that speaks for itself, to argue otherwise is inconceivable. The commentary emphasized this point.
Sylvester Grigsby has had a long and distinguished career in public service, spanning over four decades. He recently took on the role of Minister of State for Presidential Affairs for the second time, bringing a wealth of experience and skills to the position under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration. Throughout his career, Grigsby has held various notable roles, including Deputy Minister of International Cooperation, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Minister of Foreign Affairs. He was known for his hard work, dedication, and commitment to public service. Grigsby’s experience and integrity earned him the trust and admiration of past leaders, including former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who appointed him to key roles and entrusted him with important responsibilities.