Sir Aziz Hadeed, prominent Antiguan businessman and philanthropist, dies

Sir Aziz Hadeed, a leading Antiguan and Barbudan businessman, philanthropist, and recently knighted national figure, has died, prompting widespread mourning across the country’s business, education, and charitable communities.

He died on Saturday after a decades-long career that spanned business, politics, education, aviation, energy, and philanthropy in Antigua and Barbuda and across the wider Caribbean.

Sir Aziz was widely regarded as one of the key architects behind the Hadeed Group of Companies. He joined the family business in 1965 after completing his secondary education and went on to build his expertise in accounting and business through correspondence studies while working. That foundation helped shape what would become one of the Eastern Caribbean’s most influential private sector groups.

In 1980, he became chairman of the Hadeed Group and led its expansion into a multi-million-dollar conglomerate with investments across multiple industries. Under his leadership, the company broadened its reach into regional aviation and energy, playing a notable role in the development of key national infrastructure.

He served as chairman of LIAT (1974) Limited from 1995 to 1998 and was also credited with supporting the establishment of the Antigua Power Company in 1996, a major milestone in the country’s energy sector.

Beyond his business career, Sir Aziz also held public office. He was appointed an Independent Senator in 1994, serving two terms before later joining Cabinet from 2004 to 2006.

His contributions earned him significant regional and international recognition over the years. In 1995, Ernst & Young named him Master Entrepreneur of the Year for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. In 2016, he was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by Queen Elizabeth II.

Most recently, in October, he was knighted by Prince William at Windsor Castle, receiving the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George in recognition of his service to national development and philanthropy.