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.
Feb 21, 2025 | Island News
The VI Consortium recently reported that Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach has announced that property owners whose homestead property tax credits expire in 2024 must submit a new application and provide the necessary documentation to continue receiving homestead tax credits for their 2025 property tax bill. The Tax Credit must be renewed every five years, with the next renewal deadline set for March 1, 2025.
A Homestead Property Tax Credit is only applicable if the applicant is the legal owner of the property and uses it as their primary residence. Property owners cannot claim a homestead credit for more than one residence or apply for homestead credits in other jurisdictions. Additionally, the credit cannot reduce the tax obligation below the minimum of $180.00. Any changes to homestead status must be reported to the Office of the Tax Assessor by March 1 of each year.
Applications and homestead tax credit requirements are available online at ltg.gov.vi and propertytax.vi.gov, as well as at the Offices of the Tax Assessor on St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John.
Property owners eligible for the General Homestead Tax Credit ($400.00) may also apply for one additional credit like Veteran Tax Credit ($650.00), Senior Tax Credit ($500.00), and Disability Tax Credit ($500.00). See the VI Consortium full article and the St Croix Source full article for details.
Jan 28, 2025 | Island News
After a 5-year hiatus, JetBlue has returned to St Croix in December with New Flight to St Croix which is great news for the island and tourism. “JetBlue’s relaunch of service to St. Croix is part of JetBlue’s significant network enhancements in San Juan and focus on leisure and VFR (visiting friend and relatives) routes, aligned with the airline’s JetForward strategy,” the airline said in a statement in response to questions from The Daily News (read full article here).
New flight to St Croix include 1x/daily flights nonstop service to/from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in Puerto Rico to St Croix, USVI started on December 12, 2024. See photos of the celebration at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix and read the full article by St Croix Source here.
