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.