Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, has praised the late Sir Aziz Hadeed as a passionate advocate for education and a transformational figure in the development of the UWI Five Islands Campus.

In a statement issued Wednesday from The UWI Regional Headquarters in Jamaica, Beckles reflected on Sir Aziz’s leadership as Chairman of the Five Islands Campus Council, describing him as a man who quickly established a reputation for strategic vision, dignity and unwavering commitment to the university’s mission in Antigua and Barbuda and across the region.

“Within the short time span of graduation cycles, Sir Aziz Hadeed secured a reputation as a solid and passionate champion of The UWI’s mandate in Antigua and Barbuda, and beyond,” Beckles stated.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, Sir Aziz played a key role in laying the operational foundation for the effective governance of the campus and brought “strategic clarity to thinking and actions” during his tenure.

Beckles said both he and Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal Professor C. Justin Robinson deeply admired Sir Aziz’s dedication to youth development, philanthropy and social justice.

“We came to respect and celebrate him as a lover of education who relished in the academic development of the youth,” Beckles noted. “We admired his commitment to social justice and his passion for philanthropy.”

The Vice-Chancellor added that Sir Aziz left a lasting impression on the culture of the university community through his wisdom, friendship and calm demeanour.

“We all benefited from his wisdom and friendship. We shall miss his mind and his calming manner,” he said.

On behalf of the wider UWI family, Beckles extended condolences to Sir Aziz Hadeed’s relatives and friends while calling on the region to celebrate what he described as the outstanding contributions of his life.

“May his soul rest in peace,” the statement concluded.