Pine Bluff Woman Released from Aruban Prison

There were smiles today on the faces of the family and friends of a Pine Bluff woman cleared of any wrongdoing while on vacation in Aruba. Security guards in the Caribbean island discovered a gun in Ann Anderson’s baggage and detained her for almost four months.

“Words can’t really say how I am so blessed. I went to church yesterday and wanted to dance across the pews,” Patricia Smith said during a news conference to announce the good news. Anderson, a retired educator, and a cousin traveled to Aruba in March to celebrate their birthdays. The cousin returned to the United States after authorities detained Anderson.

Anderson is the pianist at Grace Temple Missionary Baptist Church. Her pastor, Reverend Amelio Howard, expressed gratitude to the community for their prayers. “She has returned to the States. We give God the glory and the honor because we believe it was through prayer that Ann was able to return safely. While Ann was detained, our focus was ‘Prayer Still Works.’ And, now that she has returned our focus is ‘God Still Answers Prayer.’”

Community leader Jesse Turner removed the yellow band many of Anderson’s supporters wore during her detainment. He said, “I believe I can pull this off. We are excited she has been vindicated.”

Smith, who is a family member, said she talked to Anderson and “there were tears….so glad she has been released.”

Anderson will return to Arkansas, but her loved ones and pastor are asking for time to “allow her to regroup” and adjust to being home.