Just three months ago, family members, friends, and dignitaries gathered at the American University of Antigua (AUA) to celebrate the 79th birthday of Sir Aziz Fares Hadeed. On Saturday, many of those same individuals found themselves gathered in grief at the Holy Family Catholic Cathedral at Michael’s Mount, struggling to process the sudden loss of a towering national figure.
Honoring Legacy Sir Aziz
“Those of us who were there had no idea that we would be here today mourning his passing,” Prime Minister Gaston Browne stated, reflecting on how quickly the nation was forced to say goodbye. Delivering the second reading and the day’s first tribute, the Prime Minister added that the sudden death of the statesman, diplomat, and business mogul “was extremely shocking” to the entire country.
The official state funeral, which was streamed live on State Media, drew mourners from across Antigua and Barbuda’s political, business, and academic landscapes, all converging to pay final respects to the late philanthropist who passed away on May 23rd.
While the public remembered a diplomat and corporate leader, the tributes inside the cathedral offered a window into Sir Aziz’s deeply personal role as the anchor of his family.
Speaking on behalf of the family, his nephew, Francis Hadeed, delivered an emotional second tribute. He emphasized that his late uncle treated him no differently than his own children, ensuring he was brought into the fold of the family’s vast operations with equal care.
“His deep and abiding love for family guided his decision-making,” Francis shared, explaining that he was mentored and taught the ropes of the business right alongside his cousins.
Other family members and friends shared fond recollections of their first introduction to Sir Aziz, describing him not just as a prominent associate, but as an enduring anchor.
Sir Aziz’s impact on the landscape of the Eastern Caribbean cannot be overstated. As the Executive Chairman of the Hadeed Group of Companies, he steered one of the largest corporate conglomerates in the region.
Yet, his massive commercial footprint was rivaled only by his decades of dedicated public service. Over his distinguished career, Sir Aziz served the twin-island nation as an Independent Senator, a Cabinet Minister under the United Progressive Party (UPP) administration, and as the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.
In his later years, his passion pivoted toward shaping the minds of the next generation. From its inception in 2019 until his passing, he served as the inaugural Chairman of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus Council, championing access to higher education in Antigua.
His monumental contributions to national infrastructure, education, and community welfare earned him royal recognition. He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2016, and last year, he was knighted as a Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (KCMG).
As Antigua and Barbuda bids farewell to a visionary leader, the management and staff of Observer Media Group extend deepest condolences to the Hadeed family. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
