Family ‘devastated’ after woman kidnapped in Haiti

The household of an Irish girl kidnapped from an orphanage in Haiti has stated they’re “completely devastated” and described the scenario as “deeply worrying”.

Gena Heraty, the ability’s director, was among several people taken in Kenscoff, close to Haiti’s capital, on Sunday morning, in response to mayor Massillon Jean.

Her whereabouts are unknown because the group, which features a three-year-old little one, have been taken from the orphanage, which cares for greater than 250 youngsters.

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 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 widespread in different areas in and round Port-au-Prince, the place the UN says armed teams management about 85% of the town.

Within the first half of 2025, UN figures present that just about 350 individuals have been kidnapped in Haiti. No less than 3,141 individuals have been additionally killed in the identical interval, the UN Human Rights Workplace stated.

Ms Heraty’s household stated they have been “completely devastated,” describing the scenario as “evolving and deeply worrying.”

“We’re working carefully with NPFS [Nos Petits Frères et Sœurs] in Haiti and Eire, the Irish authorities, and worldwide companions who’re doing all the pieces potential to make sure the secure and quick launch of Gena and her colleagues,” they stated in an announcement.

“Out of respect for the continued 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 secure return, so she will proceed “her good work in Haiti”.

“Particularly individuals with particular wants, that is her focus as a result of it’s a large want in Haiti,” she stated.

“Working together with her she is all the time considering, what else can we do?”

Tánaiste (Irish deputy prime minister) and Minister for Overseas Affairs Simon Harris held talks in a single day along with his Haitian counterpart concerning the kidnapping.

Mr Harris stated he requested Harvel Jean-Baptiste “that all the pieces is finished to make sure the discharge of Gena and the opposite hostages”.

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 weak in society,” he stated.

“Yesterday night, in a small parish church in Cushlough, the place she grew up, the parish priest stated all individuals can do now’s pray and hope that this can have a optimistic end result.

“Gena’s household are completely distraught and devastated.”

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 numerous individuals concerned to try to safe their launch”.

“About 80 to 90% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, is underneath some type of gang management,” he stated.

“It has been an ongoing scenario for the entire metropolitan space for the previous few years, but it surely has aggravated previously few months, because the authorities wrestle to regain management of the scenario.

“The neighbourhood the place the orphanage is situated has been underneath gang assault for the previous six months, and this assault is only a reminder, actually, of how fragile the scenario is.”