Prime Minister Gaston Browne delivered a heartfelt tribute to Sir Aziz Hadeed at his official funeral on Saturday, describing the late businessman as a man whose life embodied perseverance, generosity, faith and patriotism. According to Antigua.news, Browne credited Sir Aziz with contributions to national development that reached far beyond his celebrated business career.
Browne spoke before mourners gathered at the Holy Family Cathedral, recounting how Sir Aziz had arrived in Antigua as a young boy speaking no English and, through discipline and vision, helped build one of the country's most respected conglomerates.
"Today we celebrate a life well lived," Browne said. "A dedicated person who was dedicated to enterprise, service, generosity, and nation building."
The prime minister said Sir Aziz understood that achievement carried a responsibility to serve others, and that his generosity was driven by compassion rather than any desire for public recognition.
Sir Aziz was knighted by Prince William at Windsor Castle in October 2025, receiving the Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George. He had previously been appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
Browne highlighted one particularly significant act of service, noting that Sir Aziz had accompanied a then minister of finance to Italy as a private citizen, where he helped negotiate the forgiveness of approximately EC$500 million owed by Antigua and Barbuda. Browne said the outcome relieved a substantial burden on the nation and freed resources for broader development — and that Sir Aziz never spoke of the achievement with pride.
"He viewed it simply as another opportunity to serve Antigua and Barbuda," Browne said. "This was love of country not simply expressed but tangibly demonstrated."
The prime minister also recognised Sir Aziz's role as inaugural chairman of the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus Council, saying his leadership helped strengthen an institution that would empower generations of Antiguans and Barbudans through knowledge and opportunity.
Browne addressed the broader significance of Sir Aziz's story, reflecting on his Syrian heritage and the role immigrants have played in shaping Antigua and Barbuda.
"As citizens and residents, we need the contribution of all to ensure the continued development of our nation," he said. "Aziz is a proud son of Syria, but he also devoted significant time to develop his homeland, Antigua and Barbuda, and he became a true and most successful son of the soil."
Browne extended condolences to Sir Aziz's widow, Lady Mahasin Hadeed, his brothers, his sister, and his nephews Francis and Andrew Hadeed.
"To our dear friend Aziz, we say well done, good and faithful servant," the prime minister said.
Sir Aziz passed away on May 23 in Chicago, Illinois.
