Prominent businessman, philanthropist, and national development advocate Sir Aziz Hadeed has died.

Family members confirmed his passing to Antigua.news on Saturday, bringing an outpouring of grief and tributes for a man widely regarded as one of Antigua and Barbuda’s most influential private-sector leaders and charitable contributors.

He died overseas after a brief time at the hospital there.

Sir Aziz, who was recently knighted by Prince William during a ceremony at Windsor Castle, was honored with the Order of St. Michael and St. George for his extraordinary contributions to education, philanthropy, national development and community service across Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Caribbean.

The Syrian-born businessman, whose roots trace back to the village of Amman in Homs, built a remarkable legacy in Antigua and Barbuda through decades of business leadership, humanitarian work and support for education and youth development.

Sir Aziz served as Chairman of the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus Board and played a transformative role in the growth of the institution. Under his leadership, enrollment expanded dramatically from fewer than 200 students to more than 1,100 within five years.

He was instrumental in helping secure tens of millions of dollars in support for the expansion of the Five Islands campus and championed the introduction of modern academic programmes including Artificial Intelligence, Climate Change and the Blue Economy — initiatives aimed at preparing Caribbean students for emerging global industries and challenges.

Sir Aziz also funded scholarships for students from disadvantaged backgrounds and strongly advocated for expanding access to higher education across Antigua and Barbuda and the wider region.

Beyond education, his philanthropy touched nearly every sector of national life.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sir Aziz donated EC$500,000 to the national food assistance programme and partnered with the Jumby Bay Fund to support more than EC$1.5 million in additional food relief efforts, helping thousands of struggling families during the height of the economic crisis.

He also contributed approximately EC$4 million to assist vulnerable residents through utility support programmes administered by the Antigua Public Utilities Authority during the nationwide lockdown period.

His generosity extended to healthcare, youth programmes, sports and culture. He annually supported medical initiatives and local hospitals, while also backing national sporting and cultural projects.

Sir Aziz notably sponsored the Antigua Island Girls rowing team, helping fund Antigua and Barbuda’s participation in international ocean rowing competitions, including the Atlantic and Pacific rowing challenges.

He was also a major supporter of the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra, donating land valued at nearly EC$1 million for the future development of a performing arts center aimed at nurturing young musicians and expanding access to the arts.

Friends, colleagues and public officials have described Sir Aziz as a visionary leader whose impact stretched far beyond business.

Many credited him with quietly helping countless families, students and organizations over the years without seeking recognition.

His recent knighthood was viewed by many as international recognition of a lifetime dedicated to national development, philanthropy and service to humanity.

Tributes are expected to continue pouring in from across Antigua and Barbuda, the Caribbean and the wider international community as the nation reflects on the life and legacy of one of its most respected businessmen and benefactors.