USVI Community Pulse
St. Croix’s Armrey Industries Pledges Part of 2023 Profits for Maui Relief, Encourages Other Businesses to Join

In a heartwarming gesture that encapsulates unity and empathy, the esteemed local renovation enterprise, Armrey Industries, Inc., proclaimed on Friday its dedication to allocate a segment of its profits for the rest of 2023 to the Maui Disaster Aid and Restoration initiative. Having been a pillar of the Virgin Islands community since its establishment in 1961, the company fervently encourages fellow regional businesses to unite for this commendable endeavor.
Earlier in August, Hawaii, predominantly the Maui island, witnessed a series of ferocious wildfires. These blazes, aggravated by robust winds, necessitated emergency evacuations and led to grievous losses, including the tragic demise of 111 individuals in Lāhainā. Presently, approximately 1,300 residents remain missing, and the mortality figures could further escalate. The swift wildfire expansion was attributed to arid conditions and gusty winds, exacerbated by a high-pressure zone north of Hawaii and the southern Hurricane Dora.
By August 8, the severity prompted the signing of an emergency proclamation, facilitating actions such as deploying the Hawaii National Guard and earmarking state funds for immediate relief. By August 10, recognizing the extent of the devastation, U.S. President Joe Biden officially designated it as a federal disaster.
In Lāhainā, the blaze consumed more than 2,200 structures, primarily homes, along with several invaluable historical sites. Financial assessments approximate the damages to hover around a staggering $6 billion.
Speaking passionately about the initiative, Julian Bishop, the president and chief executive of Armrey, highlighted the intrinsic camaraderie between island communities. Recollecting the 2017 hurricanes that deeply affected the Virgin Islands, he remarked, “Natural calamities have left indelible scars on our community. As Maui grapples with this tragedy, our commitment remains unwavering.”
Jean Bishop, the soul behind Armrey and widow to the revered Jack Bishop, expounded on the universal essence of human empathy. Sharing poignant memories from 1989’s Hurricane Hugo, she expressed, “We have been beneficiaries of countless acts of kindness from distant shores. It’s our moment to be there for Maui.”
In the aftermath of Jack Bishop’s passing, Armrey has fortressed its commitment to philanthropy. Guided by Jean and Julian’s leadership, the company introduced the “Jack Sprat Giveback” program. This initiative focuses on presenting a range of either discounted or fully sponsored services to the Virgin Islands populace, celebrating the legacy of Jack.
Opting for Armrey’s services now doubles as an act of charity towards the Maui victims. Celebrated for their unmatched skill and finesse, Armrey Industries, Inc. offers exquisite custom cabinetry and countertops for both homes and businesses.
To delve deeper into Armrey’s diverse portfolio, one can visit their display center located in Estate Richmond or browse through their official website, Armrey.com. For individuals keen on making direct contributions to the Maui recovery, hawaiicommunityfoundation.org and other local agencies are viable options.
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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