Sir Aziz Hadeed, one of Antigua and Barbuda's most prominent businessmen, philanthropists and national development advocates, has died. According to Antigua.news, family members confirmed his passing on Saturday, prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes from across the nation and beyond.
He died overseas following a brief hospitalisation.
Sir Aziz was recently knighted by Prince William at a ceremony held at Windsor Castle, where he was honoured with the Order of St. Michael and St. George in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to education, philanthropy, national development and community service across Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Caribbean.
The Syrian-born businessman, whose roots trace back to the village of Amman in Homs, built a remarkable legacy in Antigua and Barbuda over decades of business leadership, humanitarian work and sustained support for education and youth development.
Sir Aziz served as Chairman of the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus Board, where he played a transformative role in the institution's growth. Under his leadership, enrolment expanded dramatically from fewer than 200 students to more than 1,100 within five years. He was instrumental in securing tens of millions of dollars for the campus's expansion and championed the introduction of modern academic programmes in Artificial Intelligence, Climate Change and the Blue Economy — initiatives designed to prepare Caribbean students for emerging global industries and challenges. He also funded scholarships for students from disadvantaged backgrounds and consistently advocated for broader access to higher education across the region.
His philanthropy extended well beyond education, touching nearly every sector of national life. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sir Aziz donated EC$500,000 to the national food assistance programme and partnered with the Jumby Bay Fund to support more than EC$1.5 million in additional food relief, helping thousands of families during the height of the economic crisis. He also contributed approximately EC$4 million to assist vulnerable residents through utility support programmes administered by the Antigua Public Utilities Authority during the nationwide lockdown.
His generosity reached into healthcare, youth programmes, sports and culture. He provided annual support to medical initiatives and local hospitals while backing national sporting and cultural projects. Sir Aziz notably sponsored the Antigua Island Girls rowing team, helping fund the nation's participation in international ocean rowing competitions including the Atlantic and Pacific rowing challenges.
He was also a major supporter of the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra, donating land valued at nearly EC$1 million for the future development of a performing arts centre aimed at nurturing young musicians and expanding access to the arts.
Friends, colleagues and public officials have described Sir Aziz as a visionary leader whose impact reached far beyond the business community. Many credited him with quietly helping countless families, students and organisations over the years without seeking public recognition.
His recent knighthood was widely regarded as international recognition of a lifetime dedicated to national development, philanthropy and service to humanity. Tributes are expected to continue from across Antigua and Barbuda, the Caribbean and the wider international community as the nation mourns the loss of one of its most respected businessmen and benefactors.
