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VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION St. Thomas 3438 Kronprindsens Gade | GERS Complex, 2nd Floor | St. Thomas, VI 00802-5749 | (340) 774-5666 Division of Paternity & Child Support | 8000 Nisky Shopping Center | 2nd Floor, Suite 500 | St. Thomas, VI 00802 | (340) 775-3070 St. Croix 213 Estate La Reine | Kingshill, St. Croix, VI 00850 | (340) 773-0295 Division of Paternity & Child Support | 3018 Orange Grove, Suite 4 | Christiansted, St. Croix, VI 00821 | (340) 775-3070 H. “Jerry” Inniss Director of Special Investigations Virgin Islands Department of Justice 3438 Kronprindsens Gade GERS Complex, 2nd Floor St. Thomas, VI 00802 340-774-5666 Testimony on Bill No. 36-0191 Honoring Detective Delberth I. Phipps, Jr. Good morning Honorable Senators and Members of the Committee, My name is H. “Jerry” Inniss, and I serve as the Director of Special Investigations for the Virgin Islands Department of Justice. I am honored to appear before you today in strong support of Bill No. 36-0191. An Act honoring and commending Detective Delberth I. Phipps, Jr., for his service with the Virgin Islands Police Department and to the Virgin Islands community, by renaming the portion of Hospital Gade where it intersects with Veterans Drive, at the Alexander Farrelly Criminal Justice Complex, to the beginning of Maude Proudfoot Drive, the “Delberth Phipps, Jr. Street.” Before I begin, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Honorable Senator Angel Bolques for sponsoring this timely and meaningful bill. Your leadership in recognizing the life and sacrifice of Detective Delberth I. Phipps, Jr. reflects a deep commitment to honoring those who have given so much in service to our community. I stand before you not only in my professional capacity, but more importantly, as someone who has known Detective Delberth I. Phipps, Jr. from childhood. Both Detective Phipps and I grew up in the streets of Contant, playing little league, learning life lessons, P a g e | 2 and navigating the same environment that helped shape our character. From those early days to later years where we crossed paths again through law enforcement and instruction at the Virgin Islands Police Training Academy, I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the discipline, resilience, and commitment that defined him. As will be reflected in everyone’s testimony today, Detective Phipps was more than an officer, he was a mentor, a leader, and a brother to many. His passion for training and developing others was unmatched. He did not simply wear the badge; he embodied what it meant to serve. Detective Delberth I. Phipps, Jr. made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. That sacrifice is not just a moment in time, it is a permanent mark on the history of our Virgin Islands and the hearts of those who knew and served with him. His legacy is one of courage, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to protecting our community. With the month of March being recognized as Virgin Islands History Month, it is both timely and fitting that we take this opportunity to memorialize his legacy. Our history is shaped by individuals who give of themselves for the greater good, and Detective Phipps stands among those we must never forget. He is what we proudly call a True Virgin Islander, someone who rose from the community, gave back to it, and ultimately laid down his life in its service. By supporting this bill, we are not only honoring a fallen hero, but we are also ensuring that future generations will know his name, understand his sacrifice, and be inspired by his example. To the Phipps family, I extend my deepest respect and gratitude. Your son’s legacy will forever live on in the fabric of this territory. In closing, I fully support Bill No. 36-0191 and respectfully urge this body to pass this measure as a lasting tribute to a man who gave everything in service to others. Thank you for the opportunity to testify. Respectfully submitted, H. “Jerry” Inniss Director of Special Investigations Virgin Islands Department of Justice