Hundreds of Liberians from across the country jam-packed the edifice of the Sacred Heart Cathedral on Ashuman Street in Monrovia on Satuday, 20 October 2018 to bid farewell to the fallen Commissioner of the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) Col. Lemuel E. A. Reeves, who died on 30 September following a brief illness.
President George M. Weah and First Lady Clar Weah joined the thousands of mourners over the weekend for the wake-keeping and funeral rites held at the Cathliolic Church.Other government officials in attandance were Justice Minister and Attorney-General, Musa Dean, Police Director Patrick Sudue, members of the Liberian Judiciary, the Liberia Bar Association, retired police officers, staff of the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs, the Legislature, Knights of St. John International, family and friends, among others.
Justice Minister Dean describes the late immigration boss as a devoted, respectful, and career officer, who dedicated his life to working for his country and fellow human beings.He recalls that the late Commissioner Revees was the brain behind the transitioning of the Bureau of Immigration and Natrualization (BIN) to the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS).
He admits that Liberia will ever remember the late Col Lemuel Reeves because of his love and concern for the welfare of others, including personnel of the national security apparatus.In its tribute, the Liberia Immigration Service through its Deputy Commissioner says the demise of Col. Reeves has left a big vaccum in the Liberian Security Sector especially, in planning and executing security measures that brought the LIS to where it is today.
She wonders who would close the big security gape left behind by his passing specifically at a time the security sector is transitioning, adding that it is her prayer that God will send a replacement who will always be remembered for his concern for the welbeing of LIS personnel assigned throughout the country.
A Government of Liberia Offical Gazette read by the Chief of Protocol of Liberia describes the late Commissioner Lemuel Reeves as a dedicated public servant, who served the state in several capacities with distinctions.
The tribute also highlights that the late Col. Reeves was a very respectful and trusted government official whose contributions to society would be seriously missed, praying that he will rest in the good hands of Alnighty God.
Meanwhile, in an acknolegedment, a sister of the deceased, Counselor Joyce Reeves Woods, notes that the family is gratified for the state honor bestowed on their fallen brother, father and uncle, who served as Commissioner of the BIN, former CID Director, former Counselor-At-Law, former executive committee member of the Liberia National Bar Association.
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Counselor Woods continmues that as Christians, the Revees Family is grateful for the many expressions of sympathy and gestures of concerns, kindness, and love shown.She then extends thanks and appreciation to the many friends, including Friends of Lemuel, neighbors, government officials, business people especially, the Fula, Lebanese and Indian communities, including telephone calls, emotional and moral support especially, from the Ambassador of the United States of America here, Madam Christine Elder, among others.
The late Col. Lemuel E.A. Reeves was a member of the Ancient and Noble Order of the Knights of St. John International. He was born on 19 October 1956 and died on 30 September 2018.
Personnel of the LIS parade with the coffin of Col Reeves
Pres. Weah & Wife Madam Clar Weah at the funeral
By Emmanuel Mondaye–Editing by Jonathan Browne
