Mother seeks help in locating missing son

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A concerned mother is asking for the public’s help in locating her son, whom she hasn’t seen or heard from in months. Ali'itama Bartine Tarrant, 28, departed Florida earlier this year in April  (Easter weekend) enroute to American Samoa.

According to his mother Denise Chapman, Ali’itama’s father was born in Pago Pago but passed away last year. She told Samoa News that Ali’itama was traveling to Samoa, “hoping to make a life for himself.”

She said she is worried sick because ”every time Ali'itama spends money, I get an email from the bank.” But it’s been months, “he hasn't touched his funds… that's why I know something is wrong… he loves McDonald’s and Chinese food so he spends a lot of money at those restaurants.”

According to Chapman, she has emailed the embassy and the local police department but she is yet to get any answers. She said the embassy replied to her one time, asking her if he is a native, and wanting to know his birthdate. “They have not emailed me since,” she told Samoa News. Altogether, according to her, she’s sent four emails to the embassy and local police department but “no one is answering me.”

She continued, “I even sent them a picture of him, but nothing.” At this point, Chapman, like any other parent, is distraught, not knowing if her son is dead or alive.

Samoa News was able to confirm yesterday afternoon that Ali’itama arrived in the territory on April 22nd and departed on a flight bound for Apia, Samoa on June 13th. He hasn’t been seen or heard from since. Any information from the public is appreciated.