The situation escalates in Port-au-Prince as negotiations continue for the release of Heraty and others.
Irish Missionary's Family Struggles Amid Kidnapping Crisis in Haiti
Irish Missionary's Family Struggles Amid Kidnapping Crisis in Haiti
The family of kidnapped Irish missionary Gena Heraty expresses devastation as the humanitarian community calls for her safe return.
The family of Gena Heraty, an Irish missionary kidnapped from an orphanage in Haiti, is grappling with deep distress after she was taken early Sunday morning alongside seven staff members and a child. The group was abducted from the privately-run Sainte-Hélène orphanage, located in the struggling commune of Kenscoff, near Haiti's capital. Mayor Massillon Jean confirmed that the incident is believed to be a deliberate act, with attackers breaching the orphanage's walls without firing shots.
Heraty, who originally hails from Westport in County Mayo and has dedicated her life to serving vulnerable children through the humanitarian organization Nos Petits Frères et Sœurs (NPFS), has not been seen since the attack. Her family expressed their devastation, stating that they are in close consultation with NPFS and the Irish Government to secure her safe return. They emphasized the need for privacy and cooperation in the ongoing negotiations.
Talks took place between Irish Tánaiste Simon Harris and Haitian Foreign Minister Harvel Jean-Baptiste, urging for decisive actions that would lead to the hostages' release. Gang violence continues to plague the area, with armed groups reportedly controlling around 85% of Port-au-Prince. The precarious situation has resulted in a surge of kidnappings and violence, aggravating fears for the safety of Ms. Heraty and others.
Tommy Marren, a local radio presenter who knows Heraty well, referred to her as a "living saint," highlighting her unwavering commitment to helping some of society's most vulnerable. "All we can do now is pray and hope for a positive outcome," Marren said, reflecting the sentiment shared in her hometown.
Journalist Harold Isaac provided insight into the deteriorating security environment, noting that Port-au-Prince has become increasingly dominated by gang violence. With ongoing negotiations to secure the release of the abducted, the situation remains tense and fluid, illustrating the urgent need for intervention as the community rallies to support Ms. Heraty and her colleagues.
Heraty, who originally hails from Westport in County Mayo and has dedicated her life to serving vulnerable children through the humanitarian organization Nos Petits Frères et Sœurs (NPFS), has not been seen since the attack. Her family expressed their devastation, stating that they are in close consultation with NPFS and the Irish Government to secure her safe return. They emphasized the need for privacy and cooperation in the ongoing negotiations.
Talks took place between Irish Tánaiste Simon Harris and Haitian Foreign Minister Harvel Jean-Baptiste, urging for decisive actions that would lead to the hostages' release. Gang violence continues to plague the area, with armed groups reportedly controlling around 85% of Port-au-Prince. The precarious situation has resulted in a surge of kidnappings and violence, aggravating fears for the safety of Ms. Heraty and others.
Tommy Marren, a local radio presenter who knows Heraty well, referred to her as a "living saint," highlighting her unwavering commitment to helping some of society's most vulnerable. "All we can do now is pray and hope for a positive outcome," Marren said, reflecting the sentiment shared in her hometown.
Journalist Harold Isaac provided insight into the deteriorating security environment, noting that Port-au-Prince has become increasingly dominated by gang violence. With ongoing negotiations to secure the release of the abducted, the situation remains tense and fluid, illustrating the urgent need for intervention as the community rallies to support Ms. Heraty and her colleagues.
