Gena Heraty, who oversees the Sainte-Hélène orphanage located in Kenscoff, Haiti, was kidnapped with seven staff members and a child during an invasion that has left her family "absolutely devastated." Described by her family as "deeply worrying," they are collaborating with the humanitarian organization Nos Petits Frères et Sœurs (NPFS) and the Irish government for her and the hostages' safe return.
The incident occurred early Sunday morning, with attackers breaking into the facility after cutting through a wall. Mayor Massillon Jean labeled it a "planned act," attributing it to gang activity that reportedly controls a significant portion of Port-au-Prince, where the orphanage is located.
In a statement, Ms. Heraty’s family mentioned they are working diligently with stakeholders in Ireland and Haiti, emphasizing a commitment to Gena's safety and discouraging further information sharing at this time. As negotiations progress, Irish Tánaiste Simon Harris has reached out to his Haitian counterpart to urge action for the hostages’ release.
With rampant gang violence leading to hundreds of kidnappings this year, the urgency to address the situation grows, affecting both locals and international volunteers. Community members, including Tommy Marren from Midwest Radio, have rallied in support of Gena, sharing her esteemed reputation in County Mayo as a compassionate figure dedicated to vulnerable children.
As discussions for her release continue, insights from local journalists depict Port-au-Prince as increasingly perilous, highlighting the neighborhood surrounding the orphanage as a recent hotspot for gang-related crimes.
The incident occurred early Sunday morning, with attackers breaking into the facility after cutting through a wall. Mayor Massillon Jean labeled it a "planned act," attributing it to gang activity that reportedly controls a significant portion of Port-au-Prince, where the orphanage is located.
In a statement, Ms. Heraty’s family mentioned they are working diligently with stakeholders in Ireland and Haiti, emphasizing a commitment to Gena's safety and discouraging further information sharing at this time. As negotiations progress, Irish Tánaiste Simon Harris has reached out to his Haitian counterpart to urge action for the hostages’ release.
With rampant gang violence leading to hundreds of kidnappings this year, the urgency to address the situation grows, affecting both locals and international volunteers. Community members, including Tommy Marren from Midwest Radio, have rallied in support of Gena, sharing her esteemed reputation in County Mayo as a compassionate figure dedicated to vulnerable children.
As discussions for her release continue, insights from local journalists depict Port-au-Prince as increasingly perilous, highlighting the neighborhood surrounding the orphanage as a recent hotspot for gang-related crimes.
