Aziz Hadeed Knighted by Prince William at Windsor Castle

Prominent Antiguan businessman and philanthropist Aziz Hadeed has been knighted by Prince William at Windsor Castle, receiving the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (KCMG).

The honour was bestowed in recognition of his outstanding contributions to education, community development, and national advancement in Antigua and Barbuda.

In a touching moment during the ceremony, his wife was also honoured with the title Mahasen, Lady Hadeed. The couple was joined by close family and friends, who witnessed what many described as a proud and emotional milestone for Antigua and Barbuda.

Sir Aziz has long been regarded as one of the nation’s most generous benefactors, using his influence and resources to advance education, welfare, and the arts.

Appointed in 2019 as the first Chairman of the UWI Five Islands Campus, he has overseen its remarkable transformation from a small institution with just 178 students to one now serving more than 1,100. Under his leadership, the campus has expanded its programmes to include courses in artificial intelligence, climate change, and the blue economy, ensuring that students are prepared to meet the challenges of a modern, sustainable Caribbean.

He was reappointed Chairman in 2024 for a further five years, having helped to secure US$80 million for the campus’s expansion, including new classrooms, dormitories, and sports facilities. He has personally donated over EC$1.2 million, provides annual scholarships for dozens of students, and is spearheading the redevelopment of the Five Islands Primary School, which will serve more than 300 children in the surrounding community.

Sir Aziz’s philanthropy extends well beyond education. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he donated EC$500,000 to the government’s food programme and partnered with the Jumby Bay Fund to provide EC$1.5 million in food assistance, distributing more than 3,000 packages weekly for 18 months. He also contributed EC$4 million to the Antigua Public Utilities Authority, allowing the provision of utility vouchers for vulnerable and elderly citizens during the economic downturn.

Over the years, he has quietly contributed EC$300,000 annually to support medical care, hospitals, and families in need—amounting to more than EC$1 million in direct assistance. His dedication to youth and culture is equally evident in his donation of 1.5 acres of land, valued at EC$900,000, to the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra (ABYSO) for the construction of a 1,000-seat performance centre.

Sir Aziz also helped raise Antigua’s global profile by funding the Team Antigua Island Girls in their historic 2018 Atlantic Rowing Challenge and later supported their 2023 Pacific expedition. His generosity not only promoted Antigua and Barbuda on the world stage but also inspired new generations to dream boldly and give back.

The knighthood, conferred by the Royal Family, crowns decades of selfless service to his adopted homeland. It honours a man whose vision and compassion have helped shape a stronger, more inclusive Antigua and Barbuda, a legacy that will endure for generations.