Church Pianist Detained in Aruba

The yellow ribbons tied around the sign at Grace Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Pine Bluff, Arkansas are a solid show of support for the congregation’s beloved pianist who is being detained thousands of miles away in an Aruban prison.

“She didn’t have a gun and doesn’t know how it got in her luggage,” says Grace Temple’s Pastor Amelio P. Howard.

Ann Anderson and a cousin traveled to Aruba for a much-needed vacation in March. They enjoyed sun, beach and relaxation until they arrived at the airport to return home, and security found a gun tucked away in Ann’s luggage. The cousin flew home to share the devastating incident. Loved ones hired an attorney, and Ann had her first court appearance during which court officials reportedly explained that her fingerprints were not on the gun.

Pastor Howard says, “She is innocent and wants to be exonerated.”

The next court date for the 56 year-old retired educator is July 8th. Family, friends, and the community have reached out to Congressman Bruce Westerman who represents the area. Pastor Howard says Westerman contacted the State Department, but “because it’s criminal, the United States can’t do anything.”

Pine Bluff is linked to the Dutch Caribbean island through another case of heartbreak. The grandmother of Natalee Holloway, the Alabama teenager who disappeared in 2005 while on a high school graduation trip, lived in this small city that sits in the Mississippi Delta. Those who know Ann would like to see more publicity surrounding her situation.

“My wife and I bought these yellow bracelets,” Pastor Howard says as he shows the one circling his wrist. The faith community held a prayer vigil in May. All around town yellow ribbons hang in the humidity-heavy air of the southern summer.

According to Pastor Howard, Ann can call family and friends. “She calls me about every seven to 10 days,” he says. “She is distraught. The word she used is ‘unbelievable’.”

The woman described by Pastor Howard as “private, low-key, quiet and having integrity” lost her mother two years ago, is single, and has no children. Her cause is being championed by her church family, friends, and extended family. “She looks at this as her ‘Job moment’, and she believes God will deliver her,” says Pastor Howard who has known Ann for 15 years.

What happens next is up to a judge in Aruba. Those concerned for Ann Anderson are honoring her request for “the church and the community to pray.” It is most definitely what Pastor Howard and congregants at Grace Temple will do this holiday weekend.