Liberian President George Manneh Weah has expressed deep sadness over the passing of Yoram Cohen, Chairman of the Liberia  International Shipping and Corporate Registry (LISCR).

LISCR is responsible for ship registration on behalf Liberia and has office in the United States of America.

Mr. Cohen died on Saturday, March 4, after a protracted illness.

Cohen has been a long-time friend of Liberia and contributed immensely to the growth of the country’s maritime sector.

As the agent for the country, Cohen’s leadership saw the phenomenal rise of the Liberian Flag Registry into the world’s best, fastest-growing, and second-largest following its decline during the civil war.

Cohen took over the running of the Liberian flag in the late 1990s and drove the flag through a period of extraordinary growth before passing on management to his sons, Adam and Elan, seven years ago.

He was also a strong believer in the potential of Liberian youth to help shape the country’s future and was one of the visionaries of the rejuvenation of the Liberia Maritime Training Institute.

Yoram Cohen was also the founder of Cellcom Telecommunications Corporation, which was renamed Orange after being sole to the French telecom giant Orange in 2017.

Prior to being sold, Cellcom introduced some cheap mobile telephone  and  de-monopolized the sector which was only dominated by Lonestarcell then.

Liberia Maritime saddened

In statement Liberia Maritime Authority added: “It is with profound sadness and grief that the Liberia Maritime Authority announces the shocking passing of Mr. Yoram Cohen, founder of the Liberia International Ship and Corporate Registry (LISCR).

On behalf of all stakeholders, the Liberia Maritime Authority extends sincerest sympathies to his family for the death of their beloved father, husband, brother, and grandfather. While it hurts to say goodbye to such a transformative business thinker and a loving father, we hope you can take comfort knowing that Mr. Cohen is now with his heavenly father”, the statement added.

According to an executive mansion release, the President fondly recalls the administration he received from the LISCR founder during his soccer career. “He was really a friend and a brother,” the Liberian leader said, “We came a long way after we developed a bond during the twilight of my football career”, the release quoted the president as saying.

Cohen, who was 67 was also former Director of the Israeli Security Agency (SHABAK) where he served for many years.