Born March 6, 1954 – Passed October 19, 2019On this March 6th, 2025, we honor the life and legacy of a remarkable man, Mr. Roderick Oso Goma Smith. His journey through life was a testament to dedication, service, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of Liberia and places that he resided.
Mr. Roderick Oso Goma Smith was born in Arthington, Montserrado County, Liberia. He held the distinguished honor of serving as the Special Assistant to the Minister of Finance, Republic of Liberia, Mr. James T. Phillips, during the administration of the Late President William Richards Tolbert . Jr, from 1977-1980. Later, he was promoted to Assistant Minister of Finance prior to the 1980 coup, which led to his imprisonment by the People’s Redemption Council headed by the late Samuel Keyan Doe. His tenure was marked by significant achievements, including his contributions to the success of the Organization of African Unity (O.A.U ), now the Africa Union (AU) Conference in 1979. He played a principal role in negotiating on behalf of the Liberian Government for Air Liberia, also known as “The Pepper Bird,” and arranged for a floating ship Hotel used to accommodate the participants of the O.A.U Conference held at Liberia the O.A.U Village Hotel Africa in Virgini , Liberia. This event showcased his visionary leadership and organizational prowess.
Mr. Smith’s contributions extended beyond Liberia. He worked in the United States, for the local governments in Houston, Texas and Fairfax County, Virginia.
He later joined World Vision as the Financial Director for the Southern Africa Region (SADC) , which Included South Africa, Mozambique, Lesotho, and Zambia. He was also an educator and lectured at the at Kean University in Union, New Jersey, and the University of Liberia, demonstrating his financial teachings.
He is one of the few Liberians who attended and graduated from the Kennedy School of Business and Public Administration , Harvard University in Cambridge , Massachusetts. He also graduated with a master’s in public administration from
Kent State University in Ohio, Cuttington University in Suacoco, Bong County, Liberia and the Episcopal High School Robertsport, Grand Cape, Mount County Liberia.
In the aftermath of the Liberian Civil War, Mr. Smith continued to serve his country with unwavering dedication. From 2005 to 2010, he worked within President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s administration as the Deputy Minister of Finance for Budget and Expenditures (MFDP) and as Deputy Minister of Public Works. President Sirleaf appreciated his competence and provided him the opportunity to serve Liberia during her administration, recognizing his invaluable expertise and commitment to the country’s development.
Beyond his public service, Mr. Smith’s love for his mother, Mrs. Myrtle Mason Smith Bruce and his entrepreneurial spirit, inspired him to open “The Farm at Myrtle Beach” in Kendeja, near the Cultural Center of Liberia. This endeavor stands as a testament to his deep-rooted values, family traditions, heritage, and contributions to Liberia’s tourism sector. He was also a small business proprietor in Liberia and a member of the Liberia Business Association and the Liberia Chamber of Commerce.
Stephen K. McGILL
Co-Founder , Strategic and Sustainable Development , and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Stop AIDS In Liberia (SAIL) , September 28, 1998.Republc of Liberia , West Africa.
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