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Committee advances resolution honoring Sonia Howe, creator of Crucian hook bracelet
Summary
The committee voted to forward resolution 36-0029, commending Sonia Howe of Saint Croix for creating the Crucian hook bracelet; sponsor and senators praised her cultural contributions. The measure was reported favorably by voice/roll call (7-0).
The Senate Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection voted to report favorably resolution 36-0029, which honors the late Sonia Howe, a Saint Croix jeweler credited with designing and popularizing the Crucian (Crucian/Crucian-style) hook bracelet.
Senator Kenneth L. Gittens introduced the measure and described Howe’s life and work: she moved to St. Croix in the early 1960s, opened a small storefront in Christiansted (later known as Sonia LTD) and popularized the hook bracelet as a symbol of Virgin Islands cultural identity. Senators and committee members spoke in support, noting the bracelet’s visibility in tourism and Virgin Islands cultural expression.
Senator Gittens said an amendment may be introduced at a later step to reflect Howe’s recent passing; committee members expressed sympathy to her family. The committee clerk recorded a roll call: Sen. Avery L. Lewis (yes), Sen. Noble E. Francis Jr. (yes), Sen. Ray Fonseca (yes), Sen. Alma Francis Heiliger (yes), Sen. Kenneth L. Gittens (yes), Sen. Franklin D. Johnson (yes) and Sen. Carla J. Joseph (yes). The clerk reported the resolution will be forwarded to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for further consideration.
The measure is a ceremonial resolution to recognize Howe’s contributions to local craft and cultural identity; no funding or regulatory changes were attached in committee.
