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VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION + The Honorable Senator Avery Lewis and Members of the Committee 36" Legislature of the Virgin Islands Subject: Testimony in Support of Bill No. 36-0191 Honoring Detective Delberth I. Phipps, Jr. Date of Testimony: Thursday, May 7, 2026 Honorable Senator Avery L. Lewis, Chairperson of the Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection, members of this Committee, Senator Ray Fonseca, Senator Alma Francis Heyliger, Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Senator Kenneth L. Gittens, Senator Franklin D. Johnson, Senator Carla J. Joseph, Senator Angel L. Bolques, Jr., other members of the 36" Legislature of the Virgin Island (not present), the listening and viewing audience, good morning. My name is H. “Jerry” Inniss, and I serve as the Director of Special Investigations for the Virgin Islands Department of Justice. I am truly honored to appear before you today in strong support of Bill No. 36-0191, “An Act honoring and commending Detective Delberth 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 L. Bolques, Jr., 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 Phipps, Jr. from childhood. Both Detective Phipps and I grew up in the streets of Contant—playing little league, learning life lessons, and navigating the same St. Thomas 3438 Kronprindsens Gade | GERS Complex, 2nd Floor | St. Thomas, VI 00802-5749 | (340) 774-5666 Division of Paternity & Chitd Support | 8000 Nisky Shopping Center | 2nd Floor, Suite 500 | St. Thomas, VI 00802 | (340) 775-3070 St Cro 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 2 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 alongside him. His legacy is one of courage, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to protecting our community. When I received the initial invitation to testify, I reflected deeply on how best to offer testimony that would be both meaningful and worthy of this moment. The challenge was not in finding the words, but in ensuring they adequately captured the depth of Delberth’s service, his character, and his lasting impact. Although the original date was set for March 23, 2026, during Virgin Islands History Month—a time when we intentionally reflect on those who have shaped our collective identity—it is no less fitting that we gather here today. In truth, the significance of honoring a life of service such as his is not confined to a single month or date. It transcends time. Our history is not only written in books, but in the lives of those who give of themselves for the greater good. Detective Delberth Phipps, Jr. stands firmly among those individuals—those whose legacy ts not simply remembered, but felt, carried forward, and honored through our continued service. He is what we proudly call a True Virgin Islander—one who rose from his community, gave back to it, and, in the highest expression of duty and sacrifice, laid down his life in its service. By supporting this bill, we are not only honoring a fallen hero—we are 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