Senator Gittens advanced a bill to celebrate Ms. Sonya Hough posthumously, praising Ms Hough’s cultural impact as a self-taught artist whose handcrafted hook bracelet became a global symbol of Virgin Islands identity. “If you see someone wearing a hook bracelet anywhere in the world, there’s a strong chance they visited the Virgin Islands,” he noted. Sonya Hough, the original owner of Sonya Ltd., who died on March 6 at the age of 95. According to the St. Croix Source, Ms Hough and her late husband David opened “The Corner Shop,” selling art supplies, batiks, and handmade jewelry. From this foundation, her family opened a storefront in Christiansted, now known as Sonya Ltd, on Company Street which grew into a beloved family business that thrived for over 50 years. Sonya’s legacy lives on through her artistry, most notably the iconic “St. Croix Hook Bracelet,” which has become an enduring symbol of the island.
According to the VI Consortium, Senator Gittens shared that “The Crucian Hook Bracelet has become a powerful symbol of the cultural and artistic spirit of the Virgin Islands. It has elevated the profile of our territory globally and has instilled a deep sense of pride among Virgin Islanders,” Senator Gittens declared. “Her influence can be seen in the many local artisans who followed in her footsteps, inspired by her craftsmanship and vision.”
Though introduced posthumously, the resolution moved forward with unanimous committee support. To read the full article about the bill to honor Ms Hough, click here.
Hundreds gathered at the St. Croix Educational Complex Track & Field facility on May 24 and 25, 2025 for a special event. Relay for Life 2025 was a two-day event raising cancer awareness and fundraising in support of cancer survivors. It featured the Parade of Teams, a gathering of family and friends, the Survivor’s Dinner, and the poignant Candlelight (Luminary) Ceremony.
According to the VI Consortium, organizers set an ambitious goal of raising $250,000 by December. As of Saturday morning, the event had already raised $162,817, up slightly from the $162,066 reported the previous evening. Fundraising remains open throughout the year.
Leading the charge in donations are three top-earning teams: Team Sunshine in first place, followed by Hope Brigade STX 2 in second, and the Virgin Islands Legislature in third.
This year marks 24 years of Relay for Life being observed locally, while nationally, the event celebrates its 40th year.
For more details about the event read the full article on the VI Consortium here.
For the recent sales data, inventory, and days on market for the St. Croix, USVI real estate market, download our newest Coldwell Banker St Croix real estate market reports! There is a report for each category: Homes & Condos, Condos, Homes, and Land!
We are Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) and Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) and have the experience and local knowledge to help you in every step of the process. We will help you narrow down neighborhoods based on your priorities. Whether you are searching for a starter home or a forever home, we will also advise you on the market trends in your desired neighborhoods. Let us help you find your dream home. Contact Chris and Christie! Luxury real estate, residential real estate, condominiums, and more — contact us here.
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Carden Beach Condominiums is a very desirable luxury gated community on St. Croix’s East End. Buyers choose Carden Beach for its luxurious amenities, breathtaking sea views, and peaceful secure atmosphere. It is fantastic choice for those looking for:
Waterfront Views – Stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and Buck Island, making it a dream location for sea lovers.
Spacious Living Spaces – High ceilings, huge open 2 story living & dining area, and balconies, perfect for enjoying tropical breezes.
Resort-Style Amenities – Access to a swimming pool, tennis court, pickle ball court, and an exercise room
Proximity to Attractions – Located on the popular East End of St. Croix, Carden Beach is close to restaurants, shopping, beaches, and historical sites in Christiansted.
Golf Courses Nearby – The Buccaneer and The Reef golf courses are just a short drive away, ideal for golf enthusiasts.
Gated Community – A private, gated community with professional security.
Gated CommunityExercise Room, Tennis Courts, and MoreStunning Ocean Views
Our featured listing at Carden Beach Condominiums:
New on the market is 423 Carden Beach, which is arguably the best condo in the best condo development on the island. This property is a PENTHOUSE designed by the developer of Carden Beach who also lived in it. Our walkthrough video is below. For more details click here.
Sometimes off island buyers with tight timelines do not have the flexibility to travel to look at a listing in person. In this situation, it is important to partner with a trusted brokerage and an experienced Realtor who can help you navigate the process. We have worked with numerous clients in this situation and we are happy to share our experience.
What is our approach to helping Buyers who can’t be here in person to look at properties?
Chris Powers: We have sold properties to off island buyers sight unseen and we are carefully cautious every time. We explain to Buyers that we will do our best to help them make the best decision for their situation. If the listing has photos with poor lighting and no walkthrough videos available, or if there’s something our Buyers particularly want to see, we take our own onsite photos or videos.
Christie Powers: We try to be their eyes and ears where possible. Once a Buyer asked for close-up photos of all of the plumbing fixtures. One house was on a rough road, so we took a driving video. We have done FaceTime calls to walk through the property with Buyers answering their questions as we went. The first time they actually saw the house was after it had closed and we handed them the keys!
What are ways to mitigate risk of buying sight unseen?
Chris Powers: Buying a property is a big financial decision. We always remind Buyers about:
Carefully watching all listing videos that show the property (sometimes including a self-guided 3-D tour)
Reading through any available documents such as maps, surveys or plot maps, list of improvements, rules and regulations, and floor plans from the listing
Hiring a home inspector to do a thorough inspection
Including a contingency clause in the contract that may provide you with an out should inspections reveal any issues with the property
