Family in distress as woman missing since May 5

Each time Chauntai Samuels' three-year-old daughter Rayne asks about her, her loved ones are overcome with emotions.

Samuels, 22, who hails from Kintyre district, Kingston 7, has been missing since May 5. Her mother, Jerdine Dixon, said the past eight weeks have been painful for the family.

"My granddaughter lives with her grandfather and she oftentimes asks about her mother. She is very young and does not understand what is happening, but she knows that she is not seeing her mother and keeps asking for her. That part of it is strange but she really doesn't understand. But when she asks us, it pains our hearts. It rips our hearts out because we don't even know what to tell her. We don't want to tell her a lie but we don't even know what the truth is so it's really hard," Dixon said.

A missing person's report was made on May 8 by Dixon at the Papine Police Station. Samuels is of slim build and brown complexion. The family is also offering a $250,000 cash reward for information, but Dixon said there aren't any leads. Last week, Samuels' loved ones, acting on a hunch, searched sections of Constitution Hill and Land Lease, to no avail. They also staged a peaceful demonstration in Papine square. As she keeps her fingers crossed that Samuels will be found alive, Dixon said she is also preparing herself to face the worst.

"I am just praying to God that I will get closure soon. I can't go through another week of this. I just want to find out who, why, where and when. I am keeping my fingers crossed that she will be found alive and it is hard to think the other way, but I know that there is a possibility that the result may go either way. Right now it's a 50-50 chance. We have searched for her and if we can't find her dead, she must be alive," she said.

"Right now mi make up mi mind and just ask God to give me strength if I have to face something harsh. But I would really love and appreciate for my daughter to be on her feet and she can hug me and hug her family and reunite with her daughter," Dixon added.

The St Andrew Central Police Division has renewed its appeal for help in locating Samuels. Dixon said the police are doing their best, but their job is difficult.

"I wish persons were talking what they know from the get-go because it would make the job of the police easier. Everyone is hush-hush about the situation and it make it hard for the police to do their work, and they, the police, are doing all that they can," she said.

She expressed gratitude for the constant support of family, friends and strangers who have stayed in her corner during these difficult times.

Anyone knowing Chauntai Samuels' whereabouts is being asked to contact the nearest police station.