The Informer (Monrovia)
13 June 2011
Officials of the Foreign Ministry have dedicated the Ambassador Francis A. Dennis, Sr. Memorial Library at the Gabriel L. Dennis Foreign Service Institute of Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Monrovia.
The Library was established to honor the life and accomplishments and support initiatives in the areas of Diplomacy, Academics, and Faith – key areas where the late Liberian Diplomat made significant contributions during his life.
Through the library, individuals in Foreign Service careers and students of diplomacy, living in or visiting Liberia, will have a place to do research; review the historical documents which form the foundation upon which Liberian diplomacy has been built; and where they can develop a comprehensive understanding of the impact the past has made on the present and future of Liberia and he world.
The late Ambassador Francis A. Dennis, Sr., a career Liberian lawyer, diplomat, educator, and statesman, served in many countries including Europe, Africa and North America.
He served as Liberia’s first Ambassador to Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (former Soviet Union), and later to the United States of America and Canada, and the United Kingdom (The Court of St. James). He earlier served in Ivory Coast.
The late Ambassador was known for his sincere interest in encouraging the careers of those in the Foreign Service. He was generous in sharing his knowledge and experience with others. “This library will serve as a continuation of Ambassador Dennis’ desire to empower others
with education, knowledge and understanding of the role Liberia has played and continues to play in world affairs,” his son, Baromi Dennis said.
Foreign Minister Dr. Toga Gayewea McIntosh, in his remarks, disclosed that plans are underway to construct a new Foreign Service Institute within the compound of the Foreign Ministry where the memorial library will have its restful place.
He further disclosed that he has embarked on three of four immediate deliverables: the reparation of a Handbook on Liberia’s Foreign Service, the preparation of a Protocol Guidebook, as well as
strengthening the Foreign Ministry itself. “We are hoping that within the next six to seven months, these will be the deliverables,” Dr. McIntosh noted.
He promised to have the consultants drafting the two handbooks to work from the library facilities thereby making use of the resource materials there and others they will have.
In a Statement read by Dr. Gayewea McIntosh, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf applauded the late Ambassador’ extraordinary life and achievements – a life dedicated to spreading the message to the world that there was a tiny African nation called Liberia and that he represented the best that this country had to offer. “Liberia owes him a debt of gratitude,” President Johnson Sirleaf said.
Through the Ambassador Dennis Memorial Library Foundation initial funds will be raised to furnish the library with furniture, books and computers. Thereafter, contributions to The Foundation will be used to maintain the library, and fulfill its mission of supporting organizations and individuals in the areas of faith, academics and diplomacy.
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