Karen-Mae Hill Pays Tribute to Sir Aziz Hadeed, Hailing His Legacy of Service and Generosity
Antigua and Barbuda’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Karen-Mae Hill, has paid tribute to the late Sir Aziz Hadeed, describing him as a trusted adviser, friend, philanthropist and one of the nation’s most influential figures.
In a statement following his death, Hill said she was “deeply saddened” by the loss of a man she had known for many years and whose intellect, wisdom and love for Antigua and Barbuda left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
“For as many years as I can remember, I would visit him in his office on Old Parham Road and spend hours engaged in conversation on a wide range of topics, including local and regional politics, business, and geopolitics,” Hill said.
She praised Sir Aziz’s remarkable memory, describing his ability to recall names, places and dates with extraordinary accuracy. Beyond his accomplishments in business, she said he served as a mentor and confidant whose advice she valued greatly.
Hill recalled joining Sir Aziz, members of the Hadeed family and friends in London last October for a celebratory dinner ahead of his knighthood, noting that he was in excellent spirits and enjoyed the occasion surrounded by those who admired him.
She also highlighted his commitment to community development, including his support for the Potters Sports Field Development Project. According to Hill, Sir Aziz had recently visited the site to review plans for a stand he commissioned in memory of his parents, Fares and Ramza Hadeed, who settled in Potters after migrating to Antigua and Barbuda in 1958.
Hill said Sir Aziz spoke proudly of his parents’ generosity toward villagers and how that spirit of giving continued through his own life and the lives of his siblings. She expressed hope that the planned monument would be completed and eventually named the Sir Aziz Hadeed Pavilion.
The High Commissioner also recognized his contributions to youth development and the arts through his support of the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra. She noted that he donated land to help establish a music academy for young people and provided containers that were converted into storage facilities for the orchestra’s equipment and materials.
“As the Hadeed family mourns, the nation mourns with them,” Hill said. “I mourn the loss of one of our greatest national figures and a cherished mentor.”
She concluded by describing Sir Aziz’s legacy as one rooted not only in success, but in service to others.
“Sir Aziz was great not simply because he was successful. He was great because he understood that the highest calling in life is service to humanity,” Hill said.
She extended condolences to the Hadeed family and all those affected by his passing, adding that his legacy would continue through the many lives he touched and the contributions he made to Antigua and Barbuda.