The family of Dr. Caroline Sinavaiana Gabbard is concerned that Samoa Police have not made any contact with them since her tragic death.
Dr. Gabbard’s younger brother Glenn, speaking from Boston, said they have reached out to Congresswoman Uifaatali Amata and also the US Embassy in Apia for help.
“Up to now, our family has not been contacted by the Samoa Police,” said Glenn. “We want information about what happened, but the authorities in Samoa have not made any contact with our family. The only information we’re getting is from the media.”
Glenn and a son will be traveling to Samoa next week.
He said it was Caroline’s wish to be buried in Hawaii.
Though about 7 years younger than his sister, Glenn said he was perhaps the closest to her.
“We were very much kindred spirits,” he said. “We went to college together, she as an adult learner and we were roommates in Sonoma County. She and I both have a love for literature and art and for he Samoan Culture.”
Glenn shared that though Caroline spent much more time in Samoa then he did, they both valued and shared an interest in preserving the cultural heritage of Samoa and dignity of people in the world.
Glenn said giving people, especially those who have no power, the chance to speak and be heard, was also very important to he and his sister.
Asked why Caroline chose to retire in Samoa, Glenn said he thinks it was to get close to their family roots in Saasaai Savaii.
“It was when Caroline was studying at UC Berkeley that she learned a great deal about their roots in Samoa and with a background in folklore, she would have wanted to learn more and be close to the family,” he said.
