Sylvester Grigsby

Sylvester M. Grigsby (15 October 1950 – 9 August 2025) was a Liberian politician and diplomat who served as Minister of State for Presidential Affairs under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and previously held the same position under President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Born in Sinoe County and educated at the College of West Africa in Monrovia, Grigsby had a distinguished four-decade career in public service, including roles as Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador to Belgium and the Benelux countries, and various senior positions within Liberia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Known for his integrity, diplomatic expertise, and role as a trusted presidential advisor, he was instrumental in the establishment of Liberia's War and Economic Crimes Court and was regarded as one of the most experienced officials in the Boakai administration. Grigsby also founded the Sun Times newspaper in the early 1980s and served briefly as Superintendent of Sinoe County. From 1970 to 1973, Grigsby attended Cuttington College & Divinity School in Suakoko, Bong County, Liberia, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. Cuttington, which later became Cuttington University. Grigsby first enrolled at Osaka University of Foreign Studies in Osaka, Japan, from April to September 1976. Grigsby completed his graduate education from 1977 to 1979 at Tsukuba University, where he earned a Master of Science degree in Economics. Tsukuba University, established as a Japanese National University, was known for its innovative approach to higher education and international programs. Grigsby served in that role from 5 November 2010 until 4 December 2010, when he was succeeded by Toga McIntosh.

Minister of State for Presidential Affairs Grigsby's transition from the foreign ministry to the Executive Mansion came when President Sirleaf appointed him as Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, filling the vacancy left by the death of former Minister Johnny McClain. In this role, he became one of President Sirleaf's most trusted advisors and was known for his meticulous work habits, arriving at the Executive Mansion by 8:00 AM and often working until 11:00 PM to ensure government objectives were met.

As Minister of State, Grigsby was responsible for managing the presidential cabinet and holding public officials accountable to their performance commitments. He was also recognized as a speechwriter and strategist, skills that proved invaluable in his advisory role.

When President Joseph Boakai assumed office in January 2024, one of his first appointments was Grigsby as Minister of State for Presidential Affairs under President.

War and economic crimes court One of Grigsby's most significant accomplishments was his instrumental role in establishing the War and Economic Crimes Court within just 110 days of President Boakai's inauguration on 22 January 2024. His death was met with an outpouring of grief from across Liberia's political spectrum, testament to the respect he commanded throughout his distinguished career in public service.

Grigsby was married for 51 years to his wife Cleopatra, together they had two daughters.