“It’s about time,” some readers probably thought about Monday’s report that a man has been detained in connection with the recent bomb scare near Princess Juliana International Airport SXM.
It was emphasised in this column after several similar earlier incidents that these must be taken and dealt with seriously due to their considerable negative impact.
The question was raised publicly whether in today’s age of modern technology authorities could not trace the prank calls to go after whoever is responsible. A positive answer now has been given and the suspect was held as soon as he returned to the island.
The news should help inspire most-welcome confidence in local law enforcement. More important, the arrest hopefully will lead to a conviction.
After all, such empty threats are said to cause “extra police work, disruption of airline flight schedules, traffic congestion and unnecessary discomfort for travellers.” Certainly a prime vacation destination with a one-pillar tourism economy like St. Maarten can ill afford those kinds of problems.
That’s why catching and sentencing one of the culprits is crucial to serve as deterrent for others who might want to do the same. They then will see that there are severe consequences and perhaps may be prompted to abandon the idea entirely.
So let the world take note: Bomb scares on “The Friendly Island” will be investigated thoroughly and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. In that sense there is no looking away here.
