USVI Public Records

Document text

Tonia Garnett Community Leader and Longtime Resident, St. Thomas 8124 Subbase, Suite 102, PMB 230 St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 00802 Email: toniagarnett@gmail.com Phone: 340-277-2829 April 20, 2026 To Whom It May Concern: It is with the deepest respect and heartfelt conviction that I write this letter in enthusiastic support of honoring Ms. Dilsa Capdeville for her extraordinary and historic contributions to the children, women, and families of the United States Virgin Islands. There are individuals whose work not only serves a community; but shapes it—whose presence changes the trajectory of countless lives, and whose legacy becomes woven into the very fabric of a place. Dilsa Capdeville is unquestionably one of those individuals. For more than three decades, Dilsa has devoted her life to protecting the most vulnerable among us. As a child abuse specialist and master-level licensed social worker specializing in the sensitive and critical work of interviewing children who have endured sexual assault, she has stood at the intersection of trauma and healing, often meeting children in the darkest moments of their lives. This is not simply a profession—it is a calling. Dilsa has carried this calling with extraordinary courage, compassion, and unwavering integrity. Her impact reaches far beyond individual cases. Dilsa is the founder of Kids Scope, co- founder of the Women’s Resource Center—now the Family Resource Center—and co- founder of Nana Baby Home. These institutions are not merely organizations; they are sanctuaries. They represent safety, advocacy, healing, and hope for thousands across our territory. Because of Dilsa’s vision and persistence, generations of children and women have had access to support systems that may not otherwise have existed. Throughout her career, Dilsa has worked tirelessly alongside government agencies, law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and social services—often around the clock—to ensure that children experiencing trauma are met with immediate care and protection. Her life’s work has touched thousands. The true measure of her contribution cannot be captured in numbers alone, but in the lives restored, the voices protected, and the futures made possible because she refused to look away from suffering. Yet what makes Dilsa Capdeville even more remarkable is not only what she has done, but who she is. On a personal level, Dilsa has been like a sister to me—an unwavering friend, a confidant, and a source of spiritual strength. When I lost my mother, I entered one of the most painful seasons of my life. During that time, Dilsa offered comfort that felt profoundly rare. She has an extraordinary emotional intuition and spiritual sensitivity that allows her to bring peace to those in grief. Her presence carries a quiet wisdom, and her ability to guide others through sorrow reflects the depth of her compassion and her understanding of the human spirit. This is the same gift she brings to the countless children and families she serves: the ability to sit with pain, restore dignity, and help others find light again. When I moved to St. Thomas 22 years ago, Dilsa’s name was already spoken with reverence in our community. I remember wanting to meet her because her accomplishments felt like those I had only read about in history or biography books. Even before meeting her, I was in awe of what I considered a modern-day heroine. After knowing her personally, I understand why her reputation has endured for decades. Her accomplishments are extraordinary, but her resilience is equally inspiring. Even while facing profound personal hardships, including divorce and cancer, Dilsa continued to show up for others—steadfast, compassionate, and unwavering in her mission. Dilsa Capdeville represents the very best of the Virgin Islands: courage, faith, sacrifice, and service above self. Her legacy is not only in the organizations she helped build, but in the generations of children who are safer today and the women who have found refuge and healing because she answered a call that few are strong enough to carry. To honor Dilsa Capdeville is to honor the highest values of our territory: protection of the innocent, advocacy for the vulnerable, and compassion in action. It is difficult to imagine the Virgin Islands without her relentless dedication, and it is deeply fitting that her life’s work be recognized at the highest level. It is my greatest honor to offer my strongest recommendation that Ms. Dilsa Capdeville be formally recognized by the Government of the United States Virgin Islands. With the deepest respect and appreciation, Tonia Garnett