Governor General Sir Rodney Williams and Her Excellency Lady Williams have expressed profound sorrow at the passing of renowned businessman and philanthropist Sir Aziz Fares Hadeed, describing him as not only a national icon but also a deeply cherished personal friend whose loss has left a tremendous void in their lives.

In an emotional tribute issued on Thursday, Sir Rodney said Antigua and Barbuda has 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 and was 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 uplifting others. \

He credited him with helping to create 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, where Sir Rodney had honoured his decades of leadership, service and philanthropy.

His death, 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 mourning the loss.

“May the soul of Sir Aziz Fares Hadeed rest in eternal peace, and may light perpetually shine upon him,” the statement concluded.