Yvette M. Finch                         Testimony on Bill No. 36-0114. 5/07/2026                    Page 
 
 
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Good morning, Honorable Avery L. Lewis, Chairman on Government Operations, 
Veterans Affairs, Consumer Protection, and distinguished members of this 
committee. Members of the 36th Legislature, family and friends and those tuned in 
via radio, LegitTV, or social media. Thank you for holding this hearing today and 
for inviting me to speak on behalf of  Ms. Dilsa Torres Capdeville.  
My name is Yvette M. Finch, a proud daughter of the soil who is deeply rooted in 
this community. Today I have the privilege of appearing before you to testify in 
support of  Bill No. 36-0114, an act honoring my life-long friend, whom I proudly 
call my sister and kindred spirit, Ms. Dilsa Torres Capdeville. Dilsa is being 
honored and commended for her outstanding contributions to the Virgin Islands 
community through her roles in various areas of social services, as well as 
advocacy for abused women and children, and most recently, her promotion of 
cancer awareness and prevention.  Additionally, it is proposed that the Bolongo 
Bay Head Start Facility be renamed to the Dilsa Capdeville Head Start Facility in 
her honor.   
I come to you with a deep respect and admiration for Dilsa as a public servant, but 
more so, to speak on the many years of family relations built between the Torres, 
Adams, and Finch families.  Our families grew up in a small-knit neighborhood of 
King’s Quarter, known to most as “Upstreet”.  Dilsa lived directly next door to our 
home, which was the home of our grandparents’ home, Bandmaster Alton A. 
Adams Sr. and Ella Adams.  Dilsa’s household consisted of her parents, Manuel 
and Florice Torres, and her four sisters: Dilsa, Angela, Alicia, and Elizabeth.  Dilsa 
and Angela were closer to my older brothers, Larry, LeRoi, Robert (deceased) and 
Vernon. My brother Cliff and I grew up closer to Alicia and Elizabeth.  As a 
youngster, I cannot remember a day that we weren’t in each other’s homes. My 
brother Vernon, Dilsa’s dearest friend and confidant, completes the proud family 
members who support this initiative wholeheartedly.  I take this opportunity to 
enter into the record his words in support of this Bill. 
“Dilsa is a woman whose life has been defined by service, leadership, and an 
unwavering commitment to her community. Growing up in the Upstreet 
neighborhood surrounded by a very close-knit family, she was deeply rooted in the 
values of love, togetherness, and giving back. She spent much of her childhood in 
Upstreet at the home of Alton and Ella Adams, where she could often be found 
climbing one of the many fruit trees on the property or playing sports in the 
backyard until her parents called her home. 
Yvette M. Finch                         Testimony on Bill No. 36-0114. 5/07/2026                    Page 
 
 
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From an early age, Dilsa showed a natural passion for helping others. She carried 
that passion into adulthood by founding KidsScope, Inc.  Her dedication to 
community service and outreach made her a trusted and respected figure, as she 
worked tirelessly to support families, children, and those in need.  Dilsa’s heart 
was especially drawn to abused and vulnerable children. Through her involvement 
in social work from a very young age, she became a source of comfort, guidance, 
and protection for many.  She was often called upon alongside the Virgin Islands 
Police Department to assist in trauma cases, bringing compassion and care to 
some of the most difficult moments in people’s lives.  
 
Her influence also extended into cultural and spiritual leadership.  She is a 
founding member of the Party Hardies Carolers and was a member of the Jesters 
Carnival Troupe, using her talents to bring joy, unity, and celebration to the 
community.  Her dedication and impact were further recognized through her 
induction into the St. John of Jerusalem Knights of Malta, a historic organization 
known for its mission of service and the establishment of hospitals dating back to 
the Middle Ages.  She was accompanied to this event by Dr. Alfred Heath and Mr. 
Clive Banfield. Dilsa’s legacy is one of compassion, strength, and selfless service, 
and it is for this reason that I am in support of this long-awaited honor and 
recognition of my dear friend.”   
- Vernon A. Finch. 
 
Dilsa embodies the spirit of service.  Her work in creating a safe, non-judgmental 
zone for survivors of domestic violence has provided comfort and hope to so 
many. She walks with people through their darkest moments and empowers them 
to rewrite their stories. What is even more rewarding is to see the many people she 
assisted over the years return to thank her and boast of the lasting, positive impact 
she has on their lives.  
 
They say the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in serving others, and that 
perfectly describes  Dilsa Capdeville. I am always in awe of her unwavering 
dedication to her family.  Her daughters: Chanelle, Lisa, and Diandra are her pride 
and joy and her biggest success story.  She now boasts of her growing tree; 
Emmarie, Ziggy, Zoe, and the latest addition, Isabelle (Izzy), who proudly calls her 
“Amma”.  She does not speak proudly of her family without including the 
wonderful sons-in-law, Rodney and Isiah, whom she often boasts of how blessed 
her daughters are to have such great “family oriented” men in their lives.  It really 
is amazing to see how Dilsa is able to juggle her family dedication and her very 
demanding profession, a calling that she may never retire from. 
Yvette M. Finch                         Testimony on Bill No. 36-0114. 5/07/2026                    Page 
 
 
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"Having witnessed Dilsa’s community involvement first-hand, I can confidently 
say she possesses the rare ability to bring people together for a common cause. In 
2016, Dilsa was diagnosed with cancer and spent almost three and a half years at 
the Cancer Treatment of America in Atlanta Georgia, battling this dreaded disease. 
Her testimony on her journey is nothing more than miraculous, offering inspiration 
and hope for many.  It was during this experience that she vowed to become an 
advocate for awareness and prevention by forming a support group.  We From 
Upstreet, Inc. provided the perfect platform to form such a group as well as an 
opportunity her to re-join the organization.  In 2024, she was asked to chair the 
Health and Wellness Cancer Support Committee, a role she happily accepted.  This 
committee was formed to host monthly support meetings for cancer survivors who 
needed a place to be amongst other survivors, to share and support each other, and 
to receive information on valuable medicinal and/or financial resources. Two years 
later this group continues to thrive, successfully acquiring new members, new 
resources and reaching its goal of supporting each other through sharing.  
 
Dilsa continues to make a lasting, positive impact on so many lives, including my 
own, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of recognition." 
Again, on behalf of my family, her children and grandchildren, her many friends, 
and members of We From Upstreet, Inc.,  I thank you for the opportunity to testify 
as well as to Senator Carla Joseph for proposing this Bill.  I look forward to your 
favorable response to Bill No. 36-0114 
Yvette M. Finch