For years not too long to forget, I have come to know a nobleman called Hon. Emmanuel Nuku Reeves, Sr. as a Liberian statesman, self-made businessman and consummate professional embodied with vast wisdom, unbending principles, self-discipline, sturdy courage, unimaginable humility and the determined will to impact humanity for the better.
Considering how rare it is nowadays to find someone who personifies the supra-mentioned characteristics, I had concluded that I was one of few lucky ones to have crossed his path; not until I attended the funeral of his beloved son, Emmanuel Nuku Reeves, Jr., on 12 July 2024 and listened to a host of eulogies from myriad of individuals and institutions – prominent and ordinary, testifying to the impactful life of Hon. Emmanuel N. Reeves, Sr., and how said meaningful life cultivated his late son, Emmanuel N. Reeves, Jr., into a distinguished Business and Finance professional, a faithful son, a caring family person, as well as a loyal and dependable humankind.
May the gentle soul of Emmanuel N. Reeves, Jr. find eternal peace with the Lord, as he transitions to sainted memories. With sorrows and griefs filling the South Columbia Baptist Church’s edifice in Maryland, United States of America, mourners from all walks of life, including former Commissioners of the Liberia Maritime Authority Dr. James F. Kollie and Hon. Binyah Kesselly, Gerald Cooper, John S. Morlu the United Bassa Association (UNIBOA), the Geneva Reeves-Johnson Foundation, the Bassa High School Association (USA), shared their individual and collective experiences they had during the short but impactful life of Emmanuel N. Reeves, Jr., attributing it to his parents, with emphasis on his father, Emmanuel N. Reeves, Sr., who firmly raised him with the sense of duty, honesty, humility, love and the fear of God.
Also lamenting the loss of ER, was his senior sister and the first child of Mr. and Mrs. Reeves, Renee Nukie Reeves, who described ER as a dependable brother to her and a trusted uncle to her kids.
Nukie further reminded her parents, that the loss of her only brother was not only devastating to them, but has also caused a big void in her life moving forward.
She recounted the great legacy of her brother, and quickly reassuring her parents and those of us that assembled for the home going of ER, that she will keep is memories alive.
The Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), through its Commissioner/CEO Neto Zarzar Lighe, would describe Hon. Emmanuel N. Reeves, Sr. as being more than just a Deputy Commissioner, but a father figure, teacher and support system to the entire Liberia Maritime Authority.
I will hasten to add that ENR, Sr. is a support system to everyone who crosses his path, believing that life is only worth living if you can land a hand and impact someone along life’s journey.
Another towering acclamation of his kindness would come from Hon. Gbehzongar Milton Findley, Senator and Former Pro-Tempore of the Liberian Senate, who spoke on behalf of the people of Grand Bassa County, where the Reeves hail from, and wished that ENR, Jr. could live longer to do exploits of his father’s legacy, describing Hon. Emmanuel N. Reeves, Sr. as an unwavering and untiring supporter of every worthwhile initiative of Grand Bassa County, Republic of Liberia.
Now, witnessing all of those soul-touching tributes conveyed to the Reeves family, particularly attesting to a valuable and worthwhile life of a statesman in Hon. Emmanuel N. Reeves, Sr., I couldn’t help but sigh in acknowledgement of his act of kindness to humankind; interestingly with no desire for a returned favor – political or otherwise.
And the fact that his act of kindness in impacting society for the better has no string attached whatsoever, amazes me even more; as it is seemingly a rare occurrence for a statesman like Hon. Emmanuel N. Reeves, Sr. to build for himself such massive legacy of kindness to humanity without nursing an ambition for political power.
Yes, it is rare in our Liberian society!For a long time now, Liberians have been cajoled into embracing selfish politicians disguising as latter-day humanitarians and do-gooders who soon return to their true selfish characters once they grab state power and influence.
They then become gods of themselves and start to maneuver at any length to exploit the system with the egotistical desire of getting back their so-called humanitarian assistances offered the people.
On the contrary, all of the acclamations that have been attributed to Hon. Emmanuel N. Reeves, Sr. for being a selfless statesman and a support system to many have never been tied to politics or a Sisyphean quest for political influence.
This, for me, speaks abundance of the sincerity in whatever he has done and continues to do for his country and people. Truly, Hon. Emmanuel N. Reeves, Sr. is still in mourning as any parent would do for the loss of a dear and illustrious son, but I am sure he is also proud of the exemplary life lived by his son which is a testament of the sound moral values and teachings of a noble father that he is.
The ENR, Sr. I know is a patriot who is noble in his deeds and keeps his words, even when promised in whispers of silence.
A father crowned with wisdom and gentle grace, who lifts the fallen and erases their fears without greed or thirst for power.
The ENR, Sr. I know is a true supporter of many unheard voices, who empowers the lowly and impoverished majority without a selfish desire for reciprocity.
His legacy is a tapestry woven with care, whose kindness is rare because it is done not for glory or fleeting fame but to kindle a lasting flame in others.
This is the legacy of Hon. Emmanuel N. Reeves, Sr., a selfless statesman and patriot who continues to sow the seeds of kindness and noble deeds, empowering many at home and abroad with no strings attached, but for the love of country and humanity. And that, for me, is the hallmark of a statesman, a nobleman!About the Author:Sylvester K. Pewee is a trained public governance and global leadership professional with experience in diplomacy, public relations and advocacy.
About the Author:
Sylvester P. Pewee, He’s currently the Executive Director of the Neo-Progressive Movement of Liberia, a mass-based citizens’ initiative that heralds a more strategic and hands-on approach to finding lasting solutions to national challenges, while rallying popular endorsements to ensure that national leadership serves the best interest.
Written By: Sylvester K. Pewee
Executive Director Neo-Progressive Movement of Liberia
He can be reached via email: skpewee79@gmail.com / peweesylvester@yah
