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Testimony on BILL NO. 36-0114 An act honoring and commending Dilsa Capdeville for contributions to Virgin Islands community in the field of social services and advocacy for women and children Testimony by former Senator Myron D. Jackson May 7, 2026 – Legislature of the US Virgin Islands – St. Thomas Good morning, Honorable Senator Avery Lewis, Chairman of the Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection, and esteemed Senators present. My name is Myron D. Jackson, former President of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands. I am honored to appear before you today to provide testimony in support of Bill No. 36- 0114, an Act honoring and commending Ms. Dilsa Capdeville for her many contributions in the field of social services and for her steadfast advocacy on behalf of women, children, and families throughout the Virgin Islands. Dilsa Torres Capdeville and I have shared a friendship since our adolescent years in the historic Upstreet community of Kings Quarter in Charlotte Amalie. Our families— parents, grandparents, siblings, and extended relatives—knew one another well and were bound by mutual respect, shared values, and a deep sense of community. We were raised in an environment where service to others, compassion, and respect were not merely taught, but lived daily. Our mothers devoted their professional lives to nursing and healthcare, while our fathers, as entrepreneurs and civil servants, contributed greatly to the growth and well-being of their families and the broader St. Thomas community. Those values shaped us and helped instill in Dilsa a lifelong commitment to serving others. It is therefore most fitting that we gather today to recognize a true daughter of the Virgin Islands—one who, from an early age, committed her professional and community life to uplifting the less fortunate and advocating for those in need. Throughout her career, Ms. Capdeville has worked tirelessly and collaboratively to establish programs, institutions, and safe havens dedicated to the protection, care, and rehabilitation of women, children, and families affected by domestic violence, child abuse, sexual abuse and trafficking, and psychological trauma. Over the decades, her unwavering advocacy has brought her before this body on numerous occasions to testify in support of legislative reforms affecting women and children. She has also walked the halls of this Legislature seeking the resources necessary to sustain critical programs and institutions serving vulnerable and underserved populations. I had the privilege of serving on the Board of Kid Scope during its years of active operation, and during my tenure as a Senator, I was proud to advocate alongside her and in support of her mission. On a personal note, I will never forget Dilsa’s humanity, courage, and unrelenting commitment to those in crisis. One morning, during office hours, I received an Testimony by former Senator Myron D. Jackson urgent call regarding a female relative of mine who was experiencing a serious and deeply troubling crisis. As I prepared to respond, I quickly realized that professional and spiritual support would be essential. I called Dilsa Capdeville. Without hesitation, she immediately left her office and came to assist. Through her compassion, presence, and decisive action, my relative received critical medical attention and was able to pass with dignity. That is the character of Dilsa Capdeville. That is the measure of her humanity. It is therefore both fitting and deserving that this Legislature honor her legacy of service. I am proud to support Bill No. 36-0114, sponsored by Senator Carla Joseph, which seeks to honor and commend Dilsa Capdeville for her lifetime commitment to the people of the Virgin Islands through her work in social services and advocacy, particularly in the upliftment of women and children, and to designate the Bolongo Bay Head Start Facility in her honor. Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this hearing. I respectfully encourage the members of this Committee and the full body to give favorable consideration and approval to this important measure. Thank you!