-Foreign Service Officers react, saying Deweh Gray lies without the fear of God
By Jerromie S. Walters
Several officers of Liberian foreign missions have strongly and vehemently expressed their disapproval of a statement reportedly made by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Madam Deweh D. Gray. They have criticized her remarks as misleading and have gone so far as to describe her as lacking a fear of God due to her perceived dishonesty.
According to officers who spoke to Womenvoices Newspaper on condition of anonymity, both Sen. Darus Dillon and Deputy Minister Deweh Gray are conflicted in the case they are presiding over. The officers said that Senator Darus Dillon had rendered judgment against them even before he was appointed or read the investigation as Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee.
The officers stated that Senator Dillon made an appearance on the Spoon Talkshow during the transitional period and made a public declaration that all foreign service officers who were assigned from July to December 2023 would be immediately recalled to Liberia, despite the absence of any formal investigation. They emphasized that such a public announcement by the Montserrado Senator, without prior investigation, has undermined his impartiality and integrity. Consequently, they labeled him as conflicted and unsuitable to oversee a case in which he had already expressed a prejudiced viewpoint.
Minister Gray, along with officials from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, attended a hearing before the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, which is chaired by Sen. Dillon. The purpose of the hearing was to explain the reasons behind the prolonged neglect of Foreign Service Officers who were deployed during the transition period of the new government.
During a press stakeout after the hearing, Deputy Minister Deweh Gray claimed that the majority of the foreign service officers in question were not officially assigned by the government of Liberia, but instead, they had independently arranged their transportation at the different missions. In response to Deputy Minister Deweh Gray’s statements, foreign service officers strongly objected to her assertion, accusing her of providing misleading information to the public.
Our reporter’s investigation revealed that the foreign service officers who departed Liberia were indeed facilitated with relocation expenses, which were covered by government-issued checks, as well as with flight tickets provided by various airlines.
Deputy Minister Deweh Gray served as the Deputy Minister for Legal Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under former President George Manneh Weah’s administration. In this role, she oversaw the passport and visa division, which became embroiled in scandals related to passport issuance. Graye’s public appearance yesterday was criticized as embarrassing and lacking trustworthiness, raising concerns about governance and accountability in the government.
Deputy Minister Deweh Gray’s recommendations for two individuals assigned to the Washington Mission in the United States of America have sparked controversy and raised questions regarding potential favoritism. It has been alleged that she intends to protect these individuals, casting doubt on the transparency and fairness of the selection process.
During a committee meeting, Madam Gray reportedly stated that out of the 58 foreign service officers who were posted during the transitional period, only four are deemed qualified to continue serving in their current positions. This revelation has led to speculation that two of the four individuals recommended by the Deputy Minister as qualified could be recipients of special treatment due to her connections or interests.
The situation has drawn attention to the importance of merit-based selection processes in government appointments and the need for accountability in ensuring that positions are filled based on qualifications and experience rather than personal relationships. Critics have called for a thorough review of the selection criteria and greater oversight to prevent any potential abuse of power or conflicts of interest.
The allegations against Deputy Minister Gray highlight the delicate balance between political influence and the principles of fairness and integrity in public service. Government officials must uphold ethical standards and act in the best interests of the public, avoiding any actions that may compromise the credibility and trustworthiness of the institution.
The response from officers of Liberian foreign missions to the statement attributed to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Madam Deweh D. Gray, can be seen as a strong and emotional reaction to what they perceive as misleading information. By accusing her of lying and questioning her moral integrity by stating that she has “no fear for God,” these officers are expressing a deep sense of betrayal and frustration with the government’s handling of their situation.
The term “no fear for God” implies that the officers believe Minister Gray lacks a moral compass or ethical foundation in her actions. Accusing someone of lying and questioning their faith can be seen as a serious indictment of their character and integrity.
The appearance of Minister Gray and other government officials in front of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs to address the neglect of Foreign Service Officers posted during the transitional period of the new government suggests that there have been issues and grievances within the foreign service that have not been adequately addressed.
The fact that the officers felt compelled to publicly criticize a government official in such strong terms indicates a breakdown in trust and communication between the leadership and the foreign service personnel. It also highlights the challenges and tensions that can arise in the management of diplomatic missions and the treatment of personnel in such sensitive roles.
During the transitional period, the former government of President Weah allegedly assigned foreign officers, many of whom were reportedly unqualified, to foreign missions. In response to these claims, Foreign Minister Sara Besolow Nyanti formed a special committee to investigate the delayed assignments of officers. The committee, led by Ambassador George Wallace, consisted of former officials who had advised the previous Minister of Foreign Affairs and had been actively involved in the decision-making process that led to these assignments, including training the officers.
Sources within the ministry revealed that Foreign Minister Nyanti has expressed her intention to distance herself from the situation to avoid being implicated in a matter that was largely orchestrated by Deputy Minister Gray and others in the previous administration. It is widely known within the ministry that the Minister of Foreign Affairs’ inaction has only served to prolong the issue.
As a resolution, the Ministry has opted to recall the affected officers from their missions. However, there is speculation among commentators about whether the government will compensate these officers for the duration they spent serving abroad.
Howbeit, this situation underscores the importance of effective communication, transparency, and accountability in government operations, especially in the realm of foreign affairs where trust and credibility are paramount. It also serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges involved in managing diplomatic relationships and the need for respectful and constructive dialogue between all parties involved.
The accusation against President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s government of witch-hunting members of the former administration of President George Manneh Weah seems to be gaining traction and expanding with each passing day. Allegations of targeted investigations and prosecutions against officials and supporters associated with the previous administration are becoming more pervasive and concerning. The growing perception of a systematic campaign to marginalize, intimidate, or punish individuals based on their political affiliations is fueling public outrage and raising serious questions about the government’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and the rule of law. As the scope of these allegations widens, there is a growing sense of unease and apprehension about the state of democracy and governance in the country.
