On the day of Sir Aziz Hadeed’s official funeral, family and community gathered at Holy Family Cathedral to lay to rest one of Antigua and Barbuda’s most respected figures, who passed away on May 23. Speaking on behalf of the entire Hadeed family, Francis Hadeed delivered a moving tribute that painted a portrait of the late leader far beyond his well-documented business successes.
For Francis and his brother Andrew, Sir Aziz was never just an uncle. Decades of working side-by-side alongside him turned him into a father figure, a lifelong mentor, a trusted guide, and a close personal friend. The lessons he imparted during those years remain rooted in the Hadeed family’s values, and will continue to shape generations to come.
One of Sir Aziz’s core business principles, Francis recalled, was that every customer deserves equal care and respect, no matter their social background or economic standing. He also believed firmly that any family member joining the business must earn their position through hard work, rather than expecting preferential treatment simply because of their last name. “When Andrew and I joined the business, we did not get any special privileges,” Francis shared. “We both started on the showroom floor learning the business from the ground up.”
Beyond boardrooms and showroom floors, Sir Aziz leaves a legacy of quiet generosity. Francis noted that throughout his lifetime, his uncle supported hundreds of individuals and families across the country, never seeking public recognition or praise for his good deeds. The overwhelming wave of public sympathy and support that has poured in since his death, Francis argued, is a testament to the deep respect and admiration Sir Aziz earned across every corner of Antigua and Barbuda.
Reflecting on his decades-long personal relationship with his uncle, Francis called Sir Aziz one of the greatest men he has ever had the honor of knowing. He credited Sir Aziz’s mentorship, steady guidance, and loyal friendship for shaping both his personal life and professional career into what they are today.
In closing his tribute, Francis pledged that the entire Hadeed family would continue to uphold the core values and principles that guided Sir Aziz through his entire life. “We will carry forward the lessons you taught us, uphold the standards you set and ensure future generations understand and appreciate the foundation you worked so hard to build,” he said. Following the funeral service at the cathedral, Sir Aziz was laid to rest, with family members affirming that his legacy will live on through the businesses he built, the institutions he supported, and the countless lives he touched over his lifetime.