The Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda is mourning the loss of one of its most towering public and private figures, Sir Aziz Fares Hadeed KCMG, CBE, who passed away on 23 May 2026 at the age of 79. In an official statement released after his death, the Hadeed family has paid loving tribute to their patriarch, celebrating a life spent in relentless service to leadership, community progress and national growth that left an unerasable imprint on both Antigua and Barbuda and the broader Caribbean region.
Widely celebrated as one of the most influential businessmen and philanthropists in the country, Sir Aziz steered the Hadeed Group of Companies as Executive Chairman to grow into one of the largest corporate conglomerates in the Eastern Caribbean. Under his direction, the group drove substantial economic expansion across the region, created thousands of stable jobs for local workers, and laid foundational groundwork for decades of private sector development. His influence stretched far beyond the boardroom, however: he was equally respected as a diplomat, dedicated public servant and passionate advocate for community uplift, with major contributions to advancing public education, expanding philanthropic access for marginalized groups, and strengthening civic institutions across Antigua and Barbuda.
Over his decades of service, Sir Aziz earned some of the world’s most prestigious honors in recognition of his work. He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2016 for his contributions to commerce and public life, and just earlier this year, he was elevated to the rank of Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) — one of the highest distinctions awarded for outstanding public and international service.
The family expressed deep gratitude to the general public for the outpouring of prayers, affection and support they have received in the wake of Sir Aziz’s passing, noting that his lifelong commitment to leaving communities better than he found them will endure as a core part of his legacy. “We honour and celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of our beloved patriarch,” the statement reads.
As tributes continue to arrive from across Antigua and Barbuda and neighboring Caribbean nations, those who worked with Sir Aziz and benefited from his initiatives remember him as a transformative leader. His work reshaped the country’s business ecosystem, expanded access to educational opportunity, and lifted up countless communities through targeted philanthropy and public service. The family emphasized that his core values of integrity, radical compassion and selfless service will continue to inspire all who were touched by his work for generations to come.