Universtity of LimerickThe household of an Irish lady kidnapped from an orphanage in Haiti has stated they’re “completely devastated” and described the state of affairs as “deeply worrying”.
Gena Heraty, the power’s director, was amongst a number of folks taken in Kenscoff, close to Haiti’s capital, on Sunday morning, in keeping with mayor Massillon Jean.
Her whereabouts are unknown because the group, which features a three-year-old baby, had been taken from the orphanage, which cares for greater than 250 kids.
Irish broadcaster RTÉ is reporting that contact has been made with the gang concerned within the kidnapping.
RTÉ Information says telephone calls have taken place between the gang and intermediaries within the Caribbean nation.
Ms Heraty, who’s initially from Westport in County Mayo, oversees the orphanage, which is run by the humanitarian organisation Nos Petits Frères et Sœurs (Our Little Brothers and Sisters – NPFS), within the commune of Kenscoff, about 10km southeast of the capital, Port-au-Prince.
Attackers broke into the orphanage at about 15:30 native time (07:30 GMT) “with out opening hearth”, Mayor Massillon Jean stated, describing it as a “deliberate act”.
The attackers had damaged by way of a wall to enter the property, Jean stated, earlier than heading to the constructing the place Ms Heraty was staying.
Gang members are regarded as answerable for the assault, Haitian newspaper Le Nouvelliste has reported.
Gang violence and kidnappings are additionally frequent in different areas in and round Port-au-Prince, the place the UN says armed teams management about 85% of town.
Within the first half of 2025, UN figures present that nearly 350 folks had been kidnapped in Haiti. No less than 3,141 folks had been additionally killed in the identical interval, the UN Human Rights Workplace stated.
‘Scenario is evolving’
Ms Heraty’s household stated they had been “completely devastated,” describing the state of affairs as “evolving and deeply worrying.”
“We’re working intently with NPFS [Nos Petits Frères et Sœurs] in Haiti and Eire, the Irish authorities, and worldwide companions who’re doing all the pieces attainable to make sure the protected and fast launch of Gena and her colleagues,” they stated in an announcement.
“Out of respect for the continuing efforts and for Gena’s security, we aren’t able to share additional particulars at the moment.”
Norma Lopez, a pal and colleague of Ms Heraty, stated she was calling for her protected return, so she will be able to proceed “her good work in Haiti”.
“Particularly folks with particular wants, that is her focus as a result of it’s a huge want in Haiti,” she stated.
“Working together with her she is at all times pondering, what else can we do?”
PA MediaTánaiste (Irish deputy prime minister) and Minister for International Affairs Simon Harris held talks in a single day together with his Haitian counterpart relating to the kidnapping.
Mr Harris stated he requested Harvel Jean-Baptiste “that all the pieces is completed to make sure the discharge of Gena and the opposite hostages”.
‘A dwelling saint’
Tommy Marren, who’s a presenter on Midwest Radio in County Mayo and is aware of Ms Heraty described her as “passionate, selfless and resilient” and stated she was regarded in County Mayo as “a dwelling saint”.
“She is a devoted and dependable one that is taking care of a number of the most susceptible in society,” he stated.
“Yesterday night, in a small parish church in Cushlough, the place she grew up, the parish priest stated all folks can do now’s pray and hope that this can have a optimistic consequence.
“Gena’s household are completely distraught and devastated.”
‘Beneath fixed gang menace’
Harold Isaac, who’s a journalist in Port-au-Prince, instructed BBC Radio Ulster’s Good Morning Ulster programme on Tuesday that “negotiations are ongoing by way of numerous folks concerned to attempt to safe their launch”.
“About 80 to 90% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, is beneath some type of gang management,” he stated.
“It has been an ongoing state of affairs for the entire metropolitan space for the previous few years, however it has aggravated previously few months, because the authorities battle to regain management of the state of affairs.
“The neighbourhood the place the orphanage is situated has been beneath gang assault for the previous six months, and this assault is only a reminder, actually, of how fragile the state of affairs is.”
