Governor General Sir Rodney Williams and Lady Williams have expressed profound sorrow at the passing of renowned businessman and philanthropist Sir Aziz Fares Hadeed, honouring him as both a national icon and a deeply cherished personal friend. According to Antigua.news, the couple described his loss as leaving a tremendous void in their lives and in the life of the nation.
In an emotional tribute issued on Thursday, Sir Rodney declared that Antigua and Barbuda had lost "a remarkable son of the soil" whose contributions transformed the nation's business, educational, and social landscape.
"Today, Antigua and Barbuda has lost a distinguished businessman, visionary leader, philanthropist, and nation builder whose impact touched every sector of our society," Sir Rodney stated.
The Governor General revealed that the bond between the Williams and Hadeed families spanned generations, rooted in decades of friendship, loyalty, and mutual respect.
"Sir Aziz was like a brother to me and a dear and cherished friend to both Lady Williams and my siblings," he said. "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 Rodney praised Sir Aziz as a man driven not solely by business success, but by a genuine commitment to national development and the upliftment of others. He credited him with creating opportunities for countless Antiguans and Barbudans while investing heavily in the country's long-term growth.
"He believed deeply in investing in his homeland, in creating opportunities for others, and in building institutions that would contribute to sustainable growth and national development," the Governor General said.
The tribute also reflected on Sir Aziz's recent Knighthood celebration, during which Sir Rodney had honoured his decades of leadership, service, and philanthropy.
His passing, Sir Rodney noted, leaves a deep void not only within the Hadeed family but across the wider community, including the business sector, educational institutions, and the many lives touched by his generosity.
"Sir Aziz understood that true success carries responsibility," he said. "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 himself and Lady Williams, the Governor General extended condolences to Lady Hadeed, the Hadeed family, relatives, friends, colleagues, and the wider nation.
"May the soul of Sir Aziz Fares Hadeed rest in eternal peace, and may light perpetually shine upon him," the statement concluded.
