Prime Minister Gaston Browne paid tribute to Sir Aziz Hadeed at his official funeral Saturday, describing him as a man whose life embodied perseverance, generosity, faith and patriotism, and crediting him with contributions to national development that extended well beyond his business career.

Browne delivered one of several tributes at the Holy Family Cathedral, telling mourners that Sir Aziz had arrived in Antigua as a young boy speaking no English and, through discipline and vision, helped build one of the country’s most respected conglomerates.

“Today we celebrate a life well lived,” Browne said. “A dedicated person who was dedicated to enterprise, service, generosity, and nation building.”

The prime minister said Sir Aziz understood that achievement carried a responsibility to serve others, and that his generosity was driven by compassion rather than a desire for recognition.

In October 2025, Sir Aziz was knighted by Prince William at Windsor Castle, receiving the Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George, having previously been appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne layng rose on Aziz Hadeed’s casket

Browne noted that Sir Aziz had contributed directly to the country’s economic fortunes as a private citizen, accompanying a then minister of finance to Italy where he helped negotiate the forgiveness of approximately EC$500 million owed by Antigua and Barbuda.

Browne said the outcome relieved a burden on the nation and freed resources for broader development, and that Sir Aziz never spoke of it with pride.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne and his wife Maria Browne at Aziz Hadeed’s funeral

He viewed it simply as another opportunity to serve Antigua and Barbuda,” Browne said. “This was love of country not simply expressed but tangibly demonstrated.”

The prime minister also highlighted Sir Aziz’s role as inaugural chairman of the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus Council, saying his leadership helped strengthen an institution that would empower generations of Antiguans and Barbudans through knowledge and opportunity.

Browne addressed the broader significance of Sir Aziz’s story, noting his Syrian heritage and the contribution immigrants have made to Antigua and Barbuda.

“As citizens and residents, we need the contribution of all to ensure the continued development of our nation,” he said. “Aziz is a proud son of Syria, but he also devoted significant time to develop his homeland, Antigua and Barbuda, and he became a true and most successful son of the soil.”

Browne extended condolences to Sir Aziz’s widow Lady Mahasin Hadeed, his brothers, his sister, and his nephews Francis and Andrew Hadeed.

“To our dear friend Aziz, we say well done, good and faithful servant,” the prime minister said.

Sir Aziz died May 23 in Chicago, Illinois.