MONROVIA: Information Minister Jerelinmek Piah has reaffirmed the Government of Liberia’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Liberian media, describing the relationship as essential to promoting understanding and collaboration between government and the press.
Minister Piah made the statement during the Annual Presidential Media Dinner, an initiative intended to provide a relaxed environment for government officials and members of the media to interact and build relationships beyond formal meetings and official engagements.
According to Minister Piah, the dinner is designed to foster partnership between the Government of Liberia and the media while encouraging collaboration, promoting mutual understanding and reducing misunderstandings between the two institutions.
He said the annual gathering also provides an opportunity for members of the media to network with government officials and better understand each other’s priorities.
“Government of Liberia’s building relations with Media is held very sacrosanct and paramount,” Minister Piah said, stressing the importance his administration places on maintaining constructive relations with the media.
The Information Minister also reflected on the first Presidential Media Dinner, held on April 10, 2025, under the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
He recalled that the inaugural dinner was made possible through the direction and supervision of the late Ambassador Sylvester M. Grigsby, then Minister of State for Presidential Affairs.
Ambassador Grigsby, a former media manager, was also remembered for his role in Liberia’s press freedom struggle. His SUNTIMES Newspaper, edited by the late Rufus Mama Darpoh and Westmore Dahn, reportedly faced repression during the mid-1980s in the quest for press freedom.
Minister Piah said despite Ambassador Grigsby’s illness at the time of the first Presidential Media Dinner, he provided strategic direction and spearheaded resource mobilization to ensure the successful hosting of the event.
He called for a moment of silence in honor of the late ambassador, describing his memory as evergreen.
The Information Minister also commended Minister Samuel A. Stevquoah and his team at the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs for their efforts in sustaining the Presidential Media Dinner.
He said the team had worked since August to ensure the continuation of the initiative, drawing from the success of last year’s event.
Minister Piah further extended appreciation to the Government of Liberia’s communication team, including the Department of Public Affairs, the Press Secretary, the Liberia Broadcasting System management team and the senior management of the Ministry of Information for their support.
He assured the Press Union of Liberia and the wider media community of the government’s continued commitment to building and maintaining a strong relationship with the press.
The dinner brought together senior government officials, media practitioners and other invited guests as part of efforts to strengthen communication and cooperation between the government and the Liberian media.
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