ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — Prime Minister Gaston Browne on Saturday described Sir Aziz Hadeed as one of Antigua and Barbuda’s most distinguished citizens, saying his legacy reaches far beyond business and reflects a lifetime of service, generosity and national development.
Speaking at Sir Aziz’s official funeral at Holy Family Cathedral, Browne said the businessman, philanthropist and former government minister left a lasting mark on the country through his support for education, public service and charitable work.
“We are here to mourn the loss of one of our country’s most distinguished citizens, a man whose life embodied perseverance, enterprise, generosity, faith and patriotism,” Browne said.
The prime minister recalled attending Sir Aziz’s 79th birthday celebration just months ago and said news of his death on May 23 came as a shock.
He highlighted Sir Aziz’s journey from Syria to Antigua and Barbuda, where he arrived as a young boy speaking little English before helping to transform a small family business into one of the country’s most successful conglomerates.
“His legacy extends far beyond his business success,” Browne said. “He understood that true achievement carries with it a responsibility to serve others.”
Browne said Sir Aziz quietly supported individuals, families, churches, schools and charitable causes throughout his life, often without seeking recognition.
The prime minister also pointed to Sir Aziz’s contribution to public life, noting his service as a government minister and his role as chairman of the Council of the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus.
“Perhaps one of his most enduring contributions was his support for education,” Browne said, adding that Sir Aziz helped strengthen an institution that would provide opportunities for future generations of Antiguans and Barbudans.
Browne described Sir Aziz as “friend of all, enemy of none” and praised his ability to treat people with dignity and respect regardless of their circumstances.
He also used the occasion to highlight the contribution of immigrants to Antigua and Barbuda’s development, noting that Sir Aziz, while proud of his Syrian heritage, devoted much of his life to advancing his adopted homeland.
“Today we celebrate a life well lived,” Browne said. “A dedicated person who was dedicated to enterprise, service, generosity and nation building.”
Offering condolences to Sir Aziz’s family, Browne said his legacy would live on through the businesses he built, the institutions he strengthened and the lives he touched.
Sir Aziz, who was knighted in 2025 for his contributions to national development, education, philanthropy and public service, was laid to rest following the official funeral service.