In response to a 50% cut in government funding, My Brother’s Workshop has launched the “Double the Hope” campaign with a $25,000 matching pledge, aiming to sustain vital programs that serve at-risk youth across the U.S. Virgin Islands. According to the VI Consortium, the campaign offers donors a chance to double the impact of their contributions thanks to a generous matching pledge from the Anasetti Family, who will match all donations up to $25,000 through August 30. Every dollar raised during this window will be matched, giving My Brother’s Workshop the opportunity to continue delivering holistic services to the youth it serves.
According to the St Croix Source, the organization currently serves 41 young people, both male and female, ages 16 to 24, by teaching valuable skills in construction, woodworking, agriculture, and culinary arts. The workshop focuses on building real-world experience that trainees can carry into the job market through the program’s job placement efforts.and has the capacity
The Vi Consortium said My Brother’s Workshop can reach more than 200 with sufficient funding and the organization’s model has proven economic and social benefits. According to federal data, programs like My Brother’s Workshop can save communities millions of dollars per participant by reducing rates of crime, poverty, and unemployment. Read the full Vi Consortium article here and the St Croix Source article here about the proven program.
If you are interested in donating to My Brother’s Workshop and help meet their $50,000 goal go to the organization’s page: https://giving.classy.org/campaign/705654/donate. The matching pledge (up to $25,000) runs through August 30.
Maximizing the indoor-outdoor living experience is desirable on St. Croix. Homes and condos with inviting and comfortable galleries and patios are very desirable and useful in a tropical climate. We love outdoor living spaces especially if they offer a cozy relaxing sitting area and some shade! Our galleries, patios, and pool decks are outdoor extensions of our living space. Because of the temperate climate, be sure to think about creating wonderful outdoor spaces. You’ll want enough space for you to relax and enjoy the view and breezes, plus space to entertain your friends and family.
If you are looking to buy a property on St Croix, think about what you enjoy. Consider the features which suit the needs of your lifestyle now, and what you see in the future. Partially and fully shaded outdoor spaces may be a feature you will appreciate.
Here are some featured properties that offer indoor-outdoor living. If you are interested in one of our featured properties, please contact us. We would love to help you find your dream island home.
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.
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.
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.
