The Government of Antigua and Barbuda will accord an official funeral to Sir Aziz Hadeed following his sudden death, with Cabinet describing the businessman and philanthropist as a towering national figure whose contributions helped shape the country’s development for decades.
The announcement was made during Thursday’s post-Cabinet briefing by Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant, who said Cabinet had extended condolences to Sir Aziz’s family and recognized his extensive contributions to public service, education, business and philanthropy.
Merchant said Cabinet expressed sympathy to Lady Maasen Hadeed, Sir Aziz’s brothers Radwan and Joseph, sister Leila, nephews Francis and Andrew, as well as relatives, friends and citizens across Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Caribbean mourning his passing.
“The passing of Sir Aziz represents a profound loss to the nation,” Merchant said during the briefing.
He described Sir Aziz as “a towering figure in the business community whose life was defined not only by extraordinary entrepreneurial success, but by an unwavering commitment to service, philanthropy and national advancement.”
Sir Aziz served as an independent senator and cabinet minister and was widely known for his leadership of the Hadeed Group of Companies, which expanded operations across Antigua and Barbuda, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana and the United States.
Merchant said Cabinet praised Sir Aziz for bringing “wisdom, integrity, vision and practical business acumen” to national service and noted that his contributions transcended political administrations.
According to Merchant, Cabinet viewed Sir Aziz’s philanthropic work as one of his greatest legacies, particularly his efforts to support education and create opportunities for young people.
Merchant highlighted Sir Aziz’s role as chairman of the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus Council, saying his leadership helped guide the institution through its early years and contributed significantly to its growth and expansion.
“Through personal scholarships and financial contributions, he opened doors for countless students who otherwise may not have had access to tertiary education,” Merchant said.
The Cabinet statement also pointed to Sir Aziz’s support during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he reportedly assisted vulnerable families through food programmes and utility support initiatives that helped thousands of households during a difficult economic period.
Merchant said Sir Aziz also contributed to healthcare, youth development, sports, culture and the arts, often doing so quietly and without seeking public recognition.
Cabinet further referenced the recent conferral of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George upon Sir Aziz at Windsor Castle, describing the honour as recognition of his contributions to national development, philanthropy and community service.
“In recognition of his exceptional service and enduring contributions to Antigua and Barbuda, Cabinet has agreed to accord Sir Aziz Hadeed an official funeral,” Merchant said.
The government said the nation joins together in mourning and paying tribute to what Cabinet described as “a remarkable patriot whose life embodied generosity, humility, enterprise and service to humanity.”