TRIBUTE
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE SIR RODNEY WILLIAMS
GCMG, KGN, KSt.J, DSc, DMSc, PhD(hc), MBBS, FCAMA
GOVERNOR GENERAL OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
AND HER EXCELLENCY LADY WILLIAMS CSt.J, FMC, DCL, PhD (Hons), Dip.M, MCIM, MSc, BA
It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of personal loss that Her Excellency Lady Williams and I learned of the passing of our dear brother and treasured friend, Sir Aziz Fares HadeedKCMG, CBE.
Today, Antigua and Barbuda has lost a remarkable son of the soil, a distinguished businessman, visionary leader, philanthropist, and nation builder whose impact touched every sector of our society. Yet for us, this loss is also deeply personal. The relationship between the Hadeed and Williams families spans many decades, reaching back to the time of our late parents, and grounded in enduring friendship, mutual respect, loyalty, and love.
Sir Aziz was like a brother to me and a dear and cherished friend to both Lady Williams and my siblings. Through the years, we shared not only public life and national service, but also the warmth of genuine friendship, family fellowship, and countless treasured memories.
Sir Aziz was far more than a successful entrepreneur. He was a man of immense generosity, wisdom, quiet strength, and unwavering commitment to Antigua and Barbuda. He believed deeply in investing in his homeland, in creating opportunities for others, and in building institutions that would contribute to long-term sustainable growth and national development. His legacy is firmly rooted in the economic, educational, and social advancement of our nation.
Only recently, I had the distinct honour of paying tribute to Sir Aziz at the celebration of his Knighthood, where I reflected on his extraordinary life of service, leadership, and friendship.
His passing leaves a profound void, within his beloved family, among his many friends and colleagues, throughout the business and education sectors, and across the communities of Antigua and Barbuda that benefited from his vision, compassion, and generosity. Yet even in grief, we give thanks for a life so meaningfully lived and for a legacy that will endure for generations to come.
Sir Aziz understood that true success carries responsibility. He demonstrated throughout his life that prosperity is most powerful when it uplifts others along the way. He built not only businesses, but hope, confidence, and opportunity for countless people.
On behalf of Her Excellency Lady Williams and myself, we extend our sincerest condolences to his dear wife, Lady Hadeed, the entire Hadeed family, relatives, friends, colleagues, and all who mourn his passing during this difficult time.
May they find comfort in the tremendous legacy he leaves behind, in the respect and admiration of a grateful nation, and in the many lives he touched with kindness, dignity, and purpose.
May the soul of Sir Aziz Fares Hadeed, KCMG, CBE, rest in eternal peace, and may light perpetually shine upon him.