Monrovia – President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has described the late Deputy Minister of Commerce and Trade Services at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Hon. Cyril Afam Allen, II as the ‘Point Person’ for promoting the private sector.
According to an Executive Mansion release, President Sirleaf made the statement when she joined host of government officials, family and friends at the Memorial Program for the former Deputy Minister of Commerce and Trade Services of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, late Cyril A. Allen, II, in the Conference Hall at Bella Casa Hotel on 3rd Street, Sinkor Monrovia on Thursday, March 24, 2016. She said the late Deputy Minister was a point person in promoting the private sector.
The Liberian leader said the late Deputy Minister was young and talented individual who had the ability to convince on the basis of articulation especially guided by his Minister and supported by his colleagues. “We will miss him, his friends will miss him; the business community will miss him; because he stood gallantly” – she told host of family members, sympathize and friends.
She furthered that the formal Deputy Minister contributed immensely in creating the environment that have attracted many small businesses today owned and managed by Liberians across the country. President Sirleaf then asked God’s blessings and protection on the family and to keep them strong as they lament the death of their son and husband.
For his part, Minister Axel Addy, who paid tribute on behalf of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, described the fallen Deputy Minister as a “respectful person” and a patriot who was affectionately referred to as the “General” that will be remembered for his outstanding services rendered the Ministry and Liberia at large. Minister Addy observed: “He never undermine or show disrespect to anyone while serving his country diligently with integrity, honesty and commitment to the call of duty to the nation”.
The late Deputy Minister Cyril Afam Allen, II began his career in public service as Resident Coordinator of the Mano River Union (MRU), Liberia Office. In that capacity, he managed the affairs of the Sub-office securing the financial contributions of the Government of Liberia to the Union and ensuring the efficient application of the funds. The deceased also established meaningful networks with Liberia’s international partners such as the West African Development Bank, the European Union, the United Nations and the West African Health Organization.
As part of the deceased’s contribution to society, he also worked in the corporate sector, specifically finance working with several banking institutions in Liberia, including International Bank Liberia, Ltd, EcoBank Liberia Ltd. as well as Ghana’s Amalgamated Bank Lid in Ghana. The late Cyril A. Allen, II served as senior Policy Coordinator, National Investment Commission, where he contributed to the development of Liberia’s current Investment Code.
In recognition of his invaluable and distinguished contributions to the Government and people, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was pleased to appoint the deceased as Deputy Minister for Administration, and subsequently, Deputy Minister for Commerce and Trade Services at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
During his tenure, he contributed immensely to the reform of the Ministry in the development of policies, fleet management policies and capacity building through Staff training, both locally and internationally. He also managed the affairs of the Ministry’s extensions, which included the National Standards Lab and the Liberia Business Registry.
The late Honorable Cyril Afam Allen, II, was joined in holy matrimony with Mrs. Jessica Donovan Allen on April 23, 2010, in Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount County, which union was blessed with three children. He leaves to mourn his loss, his widow Mrs. Jessica Donovan Allen; three children: Nyla,Nyssa and Lyla Allen; his parents, Chief Cyril Allen Sr. and Mrs. Fannie Mea Allen; siblings, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other relatives and friends in Liberia and abroad.
Cyril A. Allen, II early Saturday morning met his untimely demise on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 3:45am on the Robert International highway as a result of a tragic motor accident.
