BILLS HONORING RALPH A. DECHABERT AND THE LATE POLICE LIEUTENANT MELBOURNE CLARKE ADVANCES

ST. CROIX- Members of the Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection, chaired by Senator Carla J. Joseph, convened in a meeting at the Fritz E. Lawaetz Conference Room. Lawmakers voted in the affirmative for two measures honoring Ralph A. deChabert, M.D., for his contributions to the medical industry and the late Police Lieutenant Melbourne Clarke, who made a significant impact at the Virgin Islands Police Department. All approved items on the agenda will be forwarded to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for further consideration.

Bill No. 35-0102 - An Act honoring and commending Ralph A. deChabert, M.D., for outstanding contributions in the medical field to the people of the Virgin Islands and his many civic contributions to the community, especially to the island of St. Croix, and to name the Labor and Delivery/Postpartum Unit “Maternity Services” at the Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center North in his honor. The sponsor of the bill, Senator Marise C. James, stated that Dr. deChabert always appeared to be a reserved, elegant, and classy individual.

Concurrently, Cora Christian, MD, MPH, Executive Secretary/Treasurer of the Virgin Islands Medical Society, described Dr. deChabert as a quiet yet powerful physician who silently made a significant impact on the growth of healthcare on St. Croix. Dr. deChabert was the only certified obstetrician employed by the hospital at the time. Through the Sickle Cell Clinic, he helped establish the March of Dimes on St. Croix. According to Ivy Ashwood, retired clinical care supervisor, who highlighted deChabert's successes, deChabert also created a heroin addiction treatment facility in the late 1960s and 1980s.

Bill No. 35-0125: An Act honoring and commending the late Police Lieutenant Melbourne Clarke posthumously for his dedication, service, and contributions to the Virgin Islands community in law enforcement by adding the name “Police Lieutenant Melbourne Clarke Drive”, at Route 669 on the island of St. Croix This bill is sponsored by Senator Kenneth L. Gittens. Ray Clarke, son of the honoree, shared some of the highlights of his father’s career. Clarke served the VIPD for twenty-five years, graduated with honors and high scores that were recognized by the late Delegate to Congress and Melvin Evans, and issued the most traffic citations and tickets to individuals speeding on the roads.

Senators present at the meeting: Carla J. Joseph, Ray Fonseca, Marvin A. Blyden, Alma Francis Heyliger, Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Milton E. Potter, and Samuel Carrión.

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