Commerce boss weeps for Cyril Allen, Jr.

Liberia’s Commerce Minister Mr. Axel Addy uncontrollably shed tears at the Bella Cassa Hotel while reflecting on the life of his fallen deputy Mr. Cyril Afam Allen, Jr., who was killed in a tragic motor accident on March 5, 2016 along the Robertsfield highway outside Monrovia.

During a state memorial service on Thursday, 24 March President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf referred to the late Mr. Allen as a point person in the promotion of the private sector, recalling his advocacy for government to create the environment that impacted local businesses here.

President Sirleaf said the Cabinet, the country and the business community will miss Mr. Allen, who was serving as Deputy Commerce Minister for Trade Services until he met his tragic demise at age 35. The President expressed sympathy to the bereaved family, including his widow and three kids; his parents including Chief Cyril Allen, Sr., as well as friends and relatives.

On behalf of the Government and people of Liberia, President Sirleaf said, “We pray” that God keeps the family strong, having recalled his contribution in his capacity as one of her officials. Earlier, Commerce Minister Addy described the late Allen as a down-to-earth official, as he continuously wept while telling the story of the deceased to whom he said he was also a friend and brother.

Mr. Addy credited much of his Ministry’s achievement in implementing its five years strategic policy to his fallen deputy, saying the achievements bear his footprint. He said the late Allen was never undermining or disrespectful to anyone.

Chief Cyril Allen, Sr. thanked the government as well as the Muslim Community and friends on behalf of the family, as he acknowledged that Liberia had come together to put hands around the family once again.

The late Allen, who was of the Muslim faith, was buried in Margibi County on 12 March following the tragic car crash that killed him along the Robertsfield Highway in the early morning hours of March 5.

A Government Official Gazette read at the memorial says the late Allen worked in several institutions here, including the banking sector before being appointed as Deputy Commerce Minister. He is credited to have run the Mano River Union or MRU office as resident coordinator in Liberia with an annual budget of US$1million.

By Winston W. Parley-Edited by Jonathan Browne