photo by Governor General’s Office
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.
photo by Governor General’s Office
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.
Aziz Hadeed receiving the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George
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.
photo by Governor General’s Office
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.
Congratulations Sir, well deserved
To be knighted by Prince William at Windsor Castle is no small feat, and it’s a fitting honour for someone who has spent decades giving back to this country in so many ways, from education to youth, health, and community development.
Congratulations Aziz well deserved this while the PM find creative ways to steal and enriched his generational wealth portfolios …… all the buildings that the HADEEDS OWN IN ANTIGUA THAT THEY
RENT TO GOVERNMENT ITS NICE TO SEE THEY PHLITHROPIC EFFORTS BUT HOW MUCH GAS THEY SUCK OUT OF THE GOVERNMENT….THEY ARE ONES THAT BUILD THE ORMOMIS PLANT DUNG FORT SO THEY WILL ALWAYS GET MORE THAN THEY GIVE
Massive congratulations to Sir Aziz Hadeed and Lady Hadeed what an absolutely proud moment for Antigua and Barbuda!
Sir Aziz has quietly but consistently poured into our people and many peple in antigua can attest to this. They have been instrumental in building UWI Five Islands into a true pillar of higher learning, supporting students with scholarships, helping families through tough times, and even championing the arts and culture with ABYSO.
Happy for Mr. Hadeed, but let’s be real these honours often go to people with connections. Still, good representation for Antigua on the world stage.
Congratulations sir. You have been real good to us
This recognition isn’t just personal it’s national. It shows that the world is seeing the calibre of leadership and generosity coming out of Antigua and Barbuda.
Many talk about nation-building; Sir Aziz does it. Year after year, he invests in education, culture, health, and community upliftment without fanfare. This honour from the British Royal Family is a testament to the impact he’s made on so many lives. Heartfelt congratulations…
Sir Aziz embodies what true patriotism looks like lifting others as he climbs. From the university to the youth orchestra to the most vulnerable families, his legacy will live on for generations. Proud moment for the entire nation!