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 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 for the reason that group, which features a three-year-old baby, was 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 cellphone 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 Freres Et Soeurs (Our Little Brothers And Sisters).

It’s within the commune of Kenscoff, about 10km (6.2 miles) 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 considered chargeable 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. A minimum of 3,141 folks had been additionally killed in the identical interval, the UN Human Rights Workplace stated.

Ms Heraty’s household stated they had been “completely devastated,” describing the scenario 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 things potential to make sure the protected and instant 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 ready to share additional particulars presently.”

Norma Lopez, a good friend 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?”

Tánaiste (Irish deputy prime minister) and Minister for Overseas Affairs Simon Harris has spoken to EU officers about Ms Heraty.

He raised the kidnapping with the EU’s excessive consultant for overseas affairs and safety coverage Kaja Kallas on Tuesday.

He stated Kallas had agreed for the EU to designate a particular level of contact in Haiti, who will work straight with Eire on the continued efforts to free the hostages.

A diplomat primarily based within the EU’s workforce of representatives in Haiti will now be tasked as the purpose of contact within the case.

Harris additionally spoke by cellphone to Haiti’s Overseas Minister Harvel Jean-Baptiste and requested that all the things is completed to make sure the discharge of Ms Heraty 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 residing 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 folks can do now could be pray and hope that this can have a constructive consequence.

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

Harold Isaac, who’s a journalist in Port-au-Prince, informed BBC Radio Ulster’s Good Morning Ulster programme on Tuesday that “negotiations are ongoing by numerous folks concerned to try to safe their launch”.

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

“It has been an ongoing scenario for the entire metropolitan space for the previous few years, nevertheless it 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 below gang assault for the previous six months, and this assault is only a reminder, actually, of how fragile the scenario is.”