THE Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley, have expressed deep sorrow at the passing of Ambassador Elisabeth Harper, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Harper passed on Saturday, September 13, 2025.

In a statement on Sunday, the CARICOM Secretariat described Ambassador Harper as a “consummate diplomat who embodied the highest standards of professionalism, grace, and efficiency.”

The Secretariat noted that her “quiet but firm approach” and invaluable insights from decades of service made her a central figure in advancing the goals of the Community.

The statement added, “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.”

Further, CARICOM noted that Harper’s legacy will serve as a blueprint for all on service with dignity, dedication and professionalism as Guyana and the wider region mourn the loss of a stalwart.

Meanwhile, in a separate statement, Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, hailed Harper as “the consummate professional and diplomat” whose approach to diplomacy was rooted in both competence and human connection.

Recalling interactions with Harper in the early 2000s while attending CARICOM’s Council for Human and Social Development meetings, Mottley remembered her as always pleasant and jovial and greeted everyone with a warm smile.

“Guyana has lost a true daughter of the soil, and the region has lost one of the best examples of a true public servant,” Mottley said.

She underscored Harper’s steadfast advocacy for Caribbean integration, noting that her vision extended beyond national boundaries to regional co-operation and solidarity.