The Caribbean business community is mourning the loss of one of its most respected long-standing members, prominent fuel retail sector figure Lawrence “Larry” Gonsalves, with regional energy firm West Indies Oil Company Ltd. (WIOC) the latest to issue a heartfelt tribute to his life and legacy.
In an official public statement released following Gonsalves’ death, WIOC’s full board of directors, senior management, and all company staff joined together to extend deep condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and loved ones he left behind.
The company highlighted that Gonsalves built a reputation that stretched far beyond his work operating service stations across the region. While his professional contributions to the local fuel retail industry were substantial, his most enduring impact came from his personal connections, and his willingness to lift up emerging entrepreneurs as a trusted mentor, WIOC emphasized.
Described as a figure admired by everyone who crossed paths with him, Gonsalves earned widespread respect across the business community over decades of active engagement in local public and commercial life. “A man who was respected by many and loved by all who knew him. More than a service station operator, he was a friend and mentor to many,” the WIOC statement read.
The organization closed by reaffirming that Gonsalves’ contributions, guidance, and warm spirit will long be remembered by every person whose life he influenced over his decades-long career, adding that the entire WIOC community holds his family in their thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.