Career Diplomat, Ambassador Elisabeth Harper was laid to rest today after she was remembered as trailblazer in her field.
At a moving funeral service at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, attended by fellow diplomats, government officials, members of the Judiciary and family and friends, Ambassador Harper was remembered by President Irfaan Ali as one of Guyana’s finest Foreign Service Officials.
The President said she was an all-rounder who worked in almost every department at the Foreign Ministry before rising to the positions of Director General and Permanent Secretary.
“Liz, as she was so affectionately called, worked for the entirety of her career in the foreign service. She left an example that reminds us, that diplomacy is not only about the pursuit of state interest but also about the men and women who give life to that interest, through selfless and unremitting service,” the President said.
The President said throughout her career, Harper displayed unmatched competence and always advanced the country’s interest effectively.
He said all her achievements over the years were attained purely on merit because of her efforts.
“Liz was a career diplomat in the most complete sense of the word, as you have heard she stared at the entry level at worked her way to the pinnacle of our foreign service. She served as an enduring example, that you do not need Favors, patronage or political shortcuts to achieve heights in the noble work of diplomatic service,” the President said.
The President said Mrs. Harper’s Knowledge of the Foreign Service was rare and valuable, her absence will leave a void at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry, he noted.
“Indeed, the fact, that after stepping down from senior administrative roles, she was rehired, specifically for those functions was a resounding signal of the technical respect she commanded not only in Guyana but across the region,” the President stated.
Relatives of the late Guyanese diplomat remembered her taking her work home, but still finding time for family. Her husband, retired cricketer and cricketing coach, Mark Harper, said he will miss their many conversations about diplomacy and cricket. He said he will also remember her faith in God and people.
“Liz loves her family and family gatherings, she thought us all the true meaning of love, compassion and sharing and the importance of looking out for one another. We are eternally grateful for the many sacrifices she made for us as a family, many times she went without so that her children could have and she loved them all equally and unconditionally,” her husband said.
In delivering the eulogy, the grand daughter of Elisabeth Harper, Kaia Boodhoo, said away from work, her grandmother would always find time for family. She said she served as a role model for her children, grandchildren and many others.
“In my heart, I believed that when God made her, he took extra time, though he has called his Angel home, the gift he gave to us will continue bless us for generations to come. Her faith was not only spoken, it was lived in every act of kindness, every gesture and especially in her meticulous organisation and planning for major meetings and events,” she said
Ambassador Elisabeth Harper was also a national awardee. She was decorated with the Golden Arrow of Achievement.
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