Authorities confiscated three firearms at Princess Juliana International Airport. An anonymous source says the prosecutor allowed the traveler to continue to Bonaire.
PHILIPSBURG: --- The wife of former Saba Island Governor Jonathan Johnson was identified by an anonymous SMN News source as the traveler arrested and later released after three firearms were found in her luggage at Princess Juliana International Airport. SMN News separately confirmed that the traveler was Johnson’s wife. Authorities have not yet publicly confirmed her identity.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office told some reporters that the woman arrived on a flight from Saba on Tuesday, November 3. Authorities confiscated all three firearms and released her from police custody after questioning. The Prosecutor’s Office said it was still investigating the firearms' importation. Its statement gave no reason for the release.
Source says prosecutor allowed traveler to continue to Bonaire
The SMN News source said airport security alerted Customs and that Customs officers took possession of the bag and opened it with the traveler present. The source said that before the traveler reached the Philipsburg Police Station, senior officers of the St. Maarten Police Force (KPSM) called Customs to demand an explanation for her arrest. According to the source, police and prosecutors discussed keeping the traveler in custody before the prosecutor decided to allow her to continue to Bonaire. The source said authorities intended to send the case to Bonaire. SMN News has yet to verify whether a formal referral was made or whether Bonaire authorities accepted it.
The source separately alleged that the Justice Ministry micromanages Customs, citing recurring operational updates prepared for the minister. The source attributed the release decision to the prosecutor’s office and said they could not say whether the Justice Minister was involved. SMN News confirmed that the Acting Minister of Justice Marinka Gumbs approved the release based on advice she received. Gumbs said that the entire process passed through the Justice Ministry before it reached her desk for approval.
No one is above the law
The same standards should apply to every traveler. SMN News has found no evidence that Jonathan Johnson intervened or that the family relationship influenced the decision.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office should explain what factors led to the release, whether it imposed any conditions on the traveler’s onward journey, and which jurisdiction is now handling the case. Those answers would allow the public to assess whether authorities applied the same standards they would use in a comparable case.
