Gena Heraty, a missionary from Westport, County Mayo, was taken from the orphanage that houses over 250 children. Her abduction occurred around 3:30 a.m. local time, according to the mayor of Kenscoff, Massillon Jean. He stated that assailants forcibly entered the premises without firing weapons, suggesting that it was a premeditated act. Along with Heraty, seven staff members and one child were kidnapped.
The family released a statement describing their heartbreak and the evolving nature of the situation. They expressed their cooperation with humanitarian organizations, the Irish government, and international entities involved in the release process. The family has chosen to withhold further details to safeguard Gena's well-being.
Irish Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris has been in contact with Haitian officials, advocating for Gena and the other hostages' safe return. Mr. Harris emphasized the critical nature of the matter and the need for immediate action in light of the escalating gang violence in Port-au-Prince, where armed groups exert substantial control, reportedly overseeing about 85% of the city.
The ongoing violence and kidnappings in Haiti present a grave reality for many, with recent UN reports highlighting nearly 350 kidnappings and over 3,141 fatalities in the first half of 2025 alone. NPH International, which supports vulnerable children across Latin America and the Caribbean, has called for Gena and the others to be released safely.
Friends and community members have spoken out about Gena's character, with local radio presenter Tommy Marren describing her as "passionate, selfless, and resilient," likening her to a "living saint." The parish priest in her hometown of Cushlough urged the community to pray for Gena's safe return.
Amid these circumstances, journalist Harold Isaac reported that discussions are ongoing to secure the hostages' release. Unfortunately, the area surrounding the orphanage has suffered from heightened gang activity for months, underscoring the precariousness of the situation and the difficulties faced in restoring order to the beleaguered capital of Haiti.
The family released a statement describing their heartbreak and the evolving nature of the situation. They expressed their cooperation with humanitarian organizations, the Irish government, and international entities involved in the release process. The family has chosen to withhold further details to safeguard Gena's well-being.
Irish Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris has been in contact with Haitian officials, advocating for Gena and the other hostages' safe return. Mr. Harris emphasized the critical nature of the matter and the need for immediate action in light of the escalating gang violence in Port-au-Prince, where armed groups exert substantial control, reportedly overseeing about 85% of the city.
The ongoing violence and kidnappings in Haiti present a grave reality for many, with recent UN reports highlighting nearly 350 kidnappings and over 3,141 fatalities in the first half of 2025 alone. NPH International, which supports vulnerable children across Latin America and the Caribbean, has called for Gena and the others to be released safely.
Friends and community members have spoken out about Gena's character, with local radio presenter Tommy Marren describing her as "passionate, selfless, and resilient," likening her to a "living saint." The parish priest in her hometown of Cushlough urged the community to pray for Gena's safe return.
Amid these circumstances, journalist Harold Isaac reported that discussions are ongoing to secure the hostages' release. Unfortunately, the area surrounding the orphanage has suffered from heightened gang activity for months, underscoring the precariousness of the situation and the difficulties faced in restoring order to the beleaguered capital of Haiti.
