Ambassador Elisabeth Harper passes away 

Guyana has lost one of its most distinguished diplomats with the passing of Ambassador Elisabeth Harper, a career diplomat who served in several senior positions, including as Guyana’s Ambassador to CARICOM and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In a statement on Saturday, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali said he received the news of Harper’s passing with “extreme sadness,” describing her as “one of Guyana’s most outstanding citizens” whose distinguished career was marked by excellence, dedication, and an unyielding commitment to advancing the nation’s interests.

Ambassador Harper, who, prior to her passing, was serving as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also held the post of Director General of the Ministry during her decades-long career. President Ali said she was a knowledgeable diplomat who “enriched every sphere of the Ministry’s work” and represented Guyana with dignity as its Ambassador to CARICOM.

He remembered Harper not only for her professional brilliance but also for her warmth and engaging personality, noting her exceptional organisational skills and ability to inspire those around her.

“Guyana has truly lost an outstanding citizen, and the foreign service has lost one of its finest ever,” President Ali said.

Beyond her public service, Harper also made her mark in national politics, serving as the prime ministerial candidate alongside former President Donald Ramotar in the 2015 General and Regional Elections.

President Ali expressed his deepest condolences to Harper’s family and loved ones, describing her passing as a monumental loss but assuring that her service will continue to inspire generations to come.