A Guyana-born businessman ‘Dennis’ Alphonso, who was described as one of the territory’s most prolific and prominent businessmen, died on Christmas day in Maryland, USA at the age of 65 and was laid to rest last Saturday in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) where he lived.
According to a report in the BVI News Online, Premier Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal, who paid tribute to Alphonso, said Alphonso decided to make Tortola his home and although he came as a hired worker, “Dennis saw the opportunity for advancement and he lost no time in taking advantage of it.
“He was not afraid to work and no job was too small for him to do or too large to attempt to do. He operated a small trucking service, then he obtained larger trucks and he kept climbing. He was a true entrepreneur and was not afraid to take risks.”
According to the report O’Neil said Alphonso “…invested in property, car sales, the gas and oil business, operating a gas station from East End.
He did give back to the community and was always willing to help when this was needed. He was quite a jolly, hail fellow well met, and he always had a smile for everyone. As a salesman he was very convincing and as people would say, he could persuade you to buy a Christmas tree in August.”
Tony Alphonso, one of the man’s sons, said: “Daddy you came to this country and brought us all here with you. You fed, housed and clothed us all until we all became adults. You taught me so much and I can proudly say that it was because of you I am able to have my own business today”.
