MATL Graduate Elizabeth Harper - A.A
October 2, 1957 - September 13, 2025
Former Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Guyana and a graduate of BGU, Elizabeth Harper A.A went to be with the Lord on September 13, 2025. She has left a legacy of “lived” servant leadership amongst her colleagues as well as her leaders.
Ms. Harper demonstrated a servant’s heart when, in February 2016, she kindly agreed to assist me in launching Project Deborah – a Women Mentoring Women effort in Guyana. She was not in her best season, but gave her best. I was so grateful to have someone come alongside me. Michelle Harper, her daughter, said to me recently, “… that’s how Mom was, seamlessly living out her calling to serve, even the homeless benefited from her generous spirit.”
From my 2016 encounter with Elizabeth, I was certainly not aware of her full repertoire of skills and achievements at that time. From a sobbing Ladeca Grant, we heard of the nurturing, caring leader who took time to “grow” a shy, somewhat intimidated young officer and aide.
I was astonished to see how critical her service was - dealing with the ongoing Guyana-Venezuela border controversy and regional integration in CARICOM. I listened with rapt attention to the President of Guyana at the funeral held on September 19, 2025.
His Excellency, President Mohamed Irfan Ali of Guyana, in his reflection speech, said,
“Her distinguished career in the Foreign Service was marked by excellence, dedication, and an unyielding commitment to the advancement of our nation’s interests… Guyana has truly lost an outstanding citizen, and our Foreign Service has lost one of its finest ever.”
The President shared a story of Elizabeth’s quiet strength. In one of the deliberations over Venezuela’s claim to Guyana’s Essequibo, he was becoming irate and frustrated, Elizabeth walked over to him. She gently laid her hand on his shoulder and said, “Mr. President, we’ve got this one…not to worry.”
According to the Head of State, Ambassador Harper was an extremely knowledgeable diplomat, whose insights and experience enriched every sphere in which she worked. As Guyana’s Ambassador to CARICOM, he said she represented the country with dignity and distinction, earning the respect of colleagues across the region and beyond. (NewsRoom)
From CARICOM, we hear a similar sentiment.
Her deep knowledge and unwavering commitment made her a central figure in advancing the goals of our Community. The Secretariat relied on her guidance, particularly in navigating complex regional and international affairs.
Ambassador Harper was a consummate diplomat who embodied the highest standards of professionalism, grace, and efficiency. Her trademark quiet but firm approach, as she contributed invaluable insights from her extensive foreign service experience, will be missed.
The BGU fraternity is deeply saddened by her passing but extremely inspired by her life of service in Guyana and beyond. Elizabeth was servant-leadership fleshed out in the foreign affairs construct reminiscent of the words of Robert Greenleaf, “The servant-leader (who) is servant first… It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then, conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead.”
We extend our sincerest condolences to loved ones and to the Government and people of Guyana.
Dr. Vedawattie Ram
BGU Regional Representative - Caribbean