'The security of my staff was centre of the deal'– Bruce Wong
“It has not been the same for me since my wife died and I think that it is time for me to move on to other things, take some time out because I really need to, and I cannot do so and run the company effectively at the same time. No one could manage it the way I did,” said Mr Wong.
In an exclusive interview with Virgin Islands News Online, Mr Wong stated that while he had made the decision for personal reasons he was not prepared to enter any arrangement that was not going to cater in a very comprehensive way for his workers. “There is no pay off involved, no severance pay involved they are all going over to the new owner and with their full years of services and terms and conditions of employment that they enjoyed with Tola,” he said.
Asked about the amount the sale was made for, Mr Wong said, “I will not tell you that in dollars and cents but what I will say is that I got a very good deal. I got money which I cannot take with me when it’s my time to go so I am going to enjoy it and live the rest of my dreams.”
It was further explained that should any of the employees not wish to continue with the buyer it would be incumbent on the new owner to pay off the benefits. “If for some reason or the other the buyer decides that they cannot keep them all they have that lawful responsibility to pay them their full benefits for all the years they worked with Tola Mitsubishi. That is how much I put into the deal,” Mr Wong explained.
In a press release circulated by the new owners, International Motors Ltd, Director Peter Sorrentino confirmed Mr Wong’s positions. "The owner of Tola Mitsubishi was keen for the business to stay in local hands and to ensure that all Mitsubishi owners would receive continued good service and parts availability. We are pleased to be in a position to make this acquisition and tick those boxes.”
Mr Sorrentino further stated in the release that over the coming months the management of IML will be spreading their business operations between the two locations to improve efficiency and customer service in a number of areas.
He said International Car Rentals, IML’s sister company, will add Mitsubishis to the International Car Rentals fleet and eventually operate from both locations. “As BVIslanders we’re committed to the continued economic growth and success of this country,” Sorrentino continued. "This purchase is a sign of our commitment and confidence in the future of the British Virgin Islands.”
As for Mr Wong, he said that he will be taking a few months to do some travelling before returning to the Virgin Islands. “The BVI is my home, yes I was born in Guyana but I came here before I could even count from one to ten. I don’t own a Guyana passport or nothing I don’t know anything really about Guyana, the BVI is all I know,” he told this new agency.
Mr Wong said he will go back into business but on a small scale. “That would keep me going. I cannot tell you yet what it is I am going into but you will see.”
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24 Responses to “'The security of my staff was centre of the deal'– Bruce Wong”
I HOPE YATES IN VG HERE HOW A GOOD MAN LOOKING OUT FOR HIS WORKER MAY THE GOOD LORD BLESS YOU MR WONG . BLESS
"Mr Wong stated that while he had made the decision for personal reasons he was not prepared to enter any arrangement that was not going to cater in a very comprehensive way for his workers. “There is no pay off involved, no severance pay involved they are all going over to the new owner and with their full years of services and terms and conditions of employment that they enjoyed with Tola,” he said.
You stood by your wife until the end now BANK ROLL BABY!!!