USVI Community Pulse
Iconic Queen Louise Children’s Home Faces Fire Damage; Revival Initiatives in Progress

ST. CROIX — In the early hours of a peaceful Sunday morning, flames threatened the legacy of the Queen Louise Home for Children on St. Croix. The V.I. Police Department and the V.I. Dept. of Human Services swiftly reported the incident, assuring the public that the situation was promptly addressed. The fire, which luckily stayed localized, did not harm any of the residents or dedicated staff at the facility.
For nearly 12 decades, the Queen Louise Home for Children has stood as a stalwart symbol of hope and refuge for numerous young lives in the community. Its commitment to the welfare of children has earned it respect and recognition far and wide.
The 911 Emergency Call Center shed light on the timing of the incident. At precisely 3:33 a.m., they received a distress call from a female staff member notifying them of the fire, particularly in the kitchen section of the Queen Louise Home for Children. Teams from the Fire and Emergency Management Services were quick on the scene, and their prompt intervention helped contain the fire and prevent a potentially more devastating outcome.
Officials from DHS lauded the staff members for their quick thinking, which ensured the residents of Queen Louise were relocated to safer premises in a timely manner. Recognizing the trauma such incidents can cause, especially to young minds, arrangements have been made to provide counseling support for everyone impacted.
In a show of transparency and continued commitment to the community, the Lutheran Social Services of the Virgin Islands pledged to keep citizens updated on the recovery and restoration efforts post the unfortunate event.
While the cause of the fire remains a mystery, both the DHS and the 911 Emergency Call Center have refrained from speculating. Investigations are underway, and more details are expected to emerge soon.
USVI Community Pulse
Celebrating Legacies: Proposals to Honor Ralph deChabert and Melbourne Clark in the USVI

The US Virgin Islands’ Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs & Consumer Protection recently deliberated on two separate proposals, aiming to commemorate the noteworthy contributions of distinguished Virgin Islanders, Ralph deChabert and the late Melbourne Clark.
Dr. Ralph deChabert, renowned for his substantial contributions to the medical and civic realms, is being spotlighted in Bill 35-0102, with a proposition to dedicate the maternity services unit at Juan F. Louis Hospital North to his name. Testimonials highlighted his lifelong dedication to St. Croix, portraying him as a silent force with substantial influence and passion for the advancement of medicine in the territory. Dr. deChabert, often the sole trained obstetrician available on St. Croix, played pivotal roles in initiating crucial healthcare services and ensuring the safety and well-being of many during times of crisis, such as Hurricane Hugo.
Melbourne Clark, recognized through Bill 35-0125, is lauded for his unwavering service to law enforcement in the Virgin Islands. The proposed bill seeks to name Route 669 on St. Croix as Police Lieutenant Melbourne Clark Drive, celebrating his disciplined approach to maintaining law and order on the highways and his respected stature as a knowledgeable and attentive commander. Stories of his principled stance against traffic violations, contributing to public safety, have become part of local lore, illustrating his commitment to duty and his professional integrity.
These individuals’ remarkable journeys were recounted with warmth and respect, painting pictures of dedication, resilience, and impactful service to the Virgin Island communities. The committee members unanimously approved the proposals to honor these eminent personalities, sealing their legacies in the history of the Virgin Islands.
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USVI Community Pulse
Alleged Perpetrator of Frontline Bar Incident, Deray Smithen, Detained at Local Airport

ST. THOMAS — Authorities have successfully apprehended Deray Smithen, the chief suspect involved in the recent incident at Frontline Bar & Restaurant, as confirmed by the V.I. Police Department. He was detained on Tuesday at Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, resulting in two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds—a man, who is now in critical condition, and a woman who sustained minor injuries. They were immediately provided medical aid at Juan F. Luis Hospital.
Multiple eye-witness accounts and surveillance recordings pinpointed Smithen as the main perpetrator. It was reported that what started as a verbal spat at Frontline Bar & Restaurant escalated to a violent confrontation, leading to Smithen allegedly firing several rounds. The male victim received critical injuries, while a stray bullet grazed a woman trying to evade the turmoil.
Smithen, a 35-year-old man, reportedly arrived in St. Thomas by boat and intended to fly to the U.S. mainland. However, his plans were foiled when Customs and Border Protection agents at Cyril E. King Airport apprehended him, following an alert from the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
Smithen was previously described by the VIPD as a black male, around 5’10” tall, weighing approximately 210 lbs., with distinctive short, black hair, and brown eyes.
The local authorities continue to seek any additional insights or information regarding this case and urge the public to share relevant details. Persons with pertinent information are asked to contact the CIB Detectives at 340-778-4850 or the CIB tip line at 340-475-3871. Anonymous tips can also be provided to Crime Stoppers VI at 1-800-222-TIPS. In case of an emergency or immediate threat, please call 911.
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USVI Community Pulse
Domestic Altercation Escalates in St. Thomas; Vehicle Plunges Down Slope

In St. Thomas, an alarming domestic dispute unfolded as a man faces serious charges related to domestic violence after allegedly defying police orders and pushing a vehicle down an embankment. The incident reportedly involves legal and familial conflicts between the man and his wife.
Early Sunday morning, law enforcement responded to a call for assistance at a residence in Frydenhoj. A woman at the location requested police aid to retrieve possessions from her spouse, Chad JnoFinn, citing fears for her and her infant’s safety. She expressed her desire for JnoFinn to vacate the premises, where he resides with her and her child.
Documents reveal the woman informed officers about the dysfunctional state of her vehicle and her neighbor’s offer to transport her to work, which JnoFinn opposed. She accused him of endangering their child by placing them in front of the neighbor’s car and revealed previous threats of harm from JnoFinn, leading to multiple police interventions.
All assets, including their residence, vehicles, and a water delivery enterprise, are registered under the woman’s name. She solicited police assistance to secure the keys to one of the vehicles from JnoFinn, who was present during the police interaction.
JnoFinn conceded his lack of legal status in the territory and disclosed his contributions to the establishment of their business while his wife managed the financial aspects of their lives. He stated his willingness to relocate, contingent upon the transfer of the water truck to a neutral party, a proposal his wife rejected.
When instructed to surrender the vehicle keys, JnoFinn resisted, fleeing in the vehicle and proceeding to push it down an embankment. Despite police orders to desist, he succeeded in dislodging the vehicle, which landed on a construction site below. He subsequently surrendered, demanding incarceration and was charged with property destruction as an act of domestic violence.
The court mandated a $1000 bail, a restraining order, a daily curfew, and a prohibition on possessing dangerous weapons for JnoFinn during his pre-trial release, with a subsequent court date set for October 13.
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