Jun 19, 2025 | Island News
As we reach the reach the half year mark, the U.S. Virgin Islands Tourism Department is reporting strong performance across key sectors — including airlift, cruise arrivals, accommodations, cultural events, and global visibility — as the territory continues to establish itself as one of the Caribbean’s most dynamic destinations according to the St. Croix Source.
2024 was a record-breaking year in tourism for the USVI and we are excited! 2025 is showing strong mid-year results with increases in air travelers, cruise passenger arrivals and more. For example, the Source reported that air service to the territory continues to expand, with daily nonstop flights now operating between Dallas and St. Thomas. St. Croix will receive new nonstop flights from Chicago later this year. The new American Airlines service from Chicago O’Hare International Airport is scheduled to begin December 6 and will operate on Saturdays, bringing travelers from the midwest to Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) on St. Croix.
Read more on St Croix Source here and on Travel Pulse here.
Jun 19, 2025 | Island News
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. announced in early June the successful closing of a $150 million Garvey Bond financing agreement in Miami, Florida that will significantly transform transportation and infrastructure across the U.S. Virgin Islands. The governor shares in a recent press release:
“This is a monumental day for the Virgin Islands,” Governor Bryan said. “The closing of this bond deal means we are now able to break ground on projects that have been years in the making and deliver additional real, tangible improvements to the lives of Virgin Islanders.”
The funding will directly support three critical infrastructure priorities:
- The long-awaited ferry service between St. Croix and St. Thomas will now become a reality, reconnecting our islands and opening new pathways for commerce, travel, and unity.
- Completion of Veterans Drive Phases 2 and 2A on St. Thomas, a project that will modernize our waterfront and create a safer, more beautiful thoroughfare for residents and visitors alike.
- $28 million in road reconstruction and improvement projects on St. Croix, addressing long-standing concerns and making our roads safer and more efficient for everyone.
The Governor’s office also said the Garvee Bond mechanism allows states and territories to leverage future federal highway funds to finance critical infrastructure today — a strategic approach to accelerating growth while maximizing federal investment.
Read more about the deal as reported by the VI Consortium here, and the St Croix Source here.
May 29, 2025 | Island News
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.
May 29, 2025 | Island News
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.
Photo by VI Consortium
Mar 29, 2025 | Island News
In honor of Virgin Islands History Month, the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) held a virtual showcase to highlight the rich history, heritage, and culture of the Virgin Islands through projects funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities. According to the St Croix Source’s recent article, 8 grant recipients presented the projects they completed encompassing dance, documentary production, the creation of a primer teaching the alphabet, and a study of oral history traditions. Reviewers also viewed a presentation on a project designed to teach youths how to express their concerns over gun violence. Another ambitious project involved planning to establish a library at a St. Croix private school.
To read the full article go to St Croix Source.
Mar 29, 2025 | Island News
A $1 million in grant funds from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation’s Humanities in Place program will help fund the redevelopment of Sunday Market Square as well as allow for sub-grants to be awarded to nonprofits engaged in keeping cultural traditions alive on St. Croix, according to a released statement from the St. Croix Foundation and reported by the VI Consortium in a recent article. Sunday Market Square holds deep cultural significance as one of the oldest, planned public squares under the U.S. flag. Located in downtown Christiansted, “it represents a unique history linked to Denmark’s colonization on the island of St. Croix from 1733 to 1917″ according to a statement by the foundation.
Read the full article on this and other projects that are part of this grant in this VI Consortium article.
