**Gena Heraty, the director of Sainte-Hélène orphanage, and several others were kidnapped in a violent gang attack, prompting urgent action from Irish authorities.**
**Irish Missionary Kidnapped in Haiti: Family Devastated as Search for Release Intensifies**
**Irish Missionary Kidnapped in Haiti: Family Devastated as Search for Release Intensifies**
**The family of Gena Heraty, an Irish missionary abducted from a Haitian orphanage, expresses deep distress amid ongoing efforts to secure her release.**
The family of Gena Heraty, an Irish missionary kidnapped from a Haitian orphanage, has expressed their "absolute devastation" at her abduction, calling the situation "deeply worrying". Heraty, the director of the Sainte-Hélène orphanage in Kenscoff, near Port-au-Prince, was taken during a violent incident early Sunday morning, alongside seven staff members and a child. The details were confirmed by local mayor Massillon Jean, who noted that the attack was executed with precision, involving the assailants breaking through a wall to access the facility.
Efforts for their safe return are well underway, with the Irish government taking steps to facilitate their release. Gena, originally from Westport, County Mayo, leads the orphanage, which is under the auspices of the humanitarian organization Nos Petits Frères et Sœurs (Our Little Brothers and Sisters - NPFS), providing care for over 250 vulnerable children.
In a family statement, Gena's loved ones shared, "We are absolutely devastated," emphasizing the evolving nature of the situation and their close collaboration with NPFS and the Irish government. They have refrained from disclosing additional details to protect Gena’s safety during this critical time.
In related developments, Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris engaged in discussions with his Haitian counterpart about the abduction, urging that all measures be taken to secure the release of the hostages. Haiti has been plagued by rampant gang violence and kidnappings, with UN reports indicating that armed groups exert control over 85% of Port-au-Prince. In 2025 alone, close to 350 kidnappings were recorded.
Community members, including Tommy Marren, a local radio presenter, highlighted Gena Heraty's dedication to helping vulnerable populations, calling her a "living saint." As prayers and support pour in from her hometown, negotiations for her release continue, underscoring the precarious state of safety in the region.
Local journalist Harold Isaac provided insights into the situation, noting that about 80-90% of Port-au-Prince is under gang influence. He remarked on the increasing severity of crime in recent months, with this kidnapping serving as a stark indicator of the dire conditions and ongoing unrest in the area.
Efforts for their safe return are well underway, with the Irish government taking steps to facilitate their release. Gena, originally from Westport, County Mayo, leads the orphanage, which is under the auspices of the humanitarian organization Nos Petits Frères et Sœurs (Our Little Brothers and Sisters - NPFS), providing care for over 250 vulnerable children.
In a family statement, Gena's loved ones shared, "We are absolutely devastated," emphasizing the evolving nature of the situation and their close collaboration with NPFS and the Irish government. They have refrained from disclosing additional details to protect Gena’s safety during this critical time.
In related developments, Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris engaged in discussions with his Haitian counterpart about the abduction, urging that all measures be taken to secure the release of the hostages. Haiti has been plagued by rampant gang violence and kidnappings, with UN reports indicating that armed groups exert control over 85% of Port-au-Prince. In 2025 alone, close to 350 kidnappings were recorded.
Community members, including Tommy Marren, a local radio presenter, highlighted Gena Heraty's dedication to helping vulnerable populations, calling her a "living saint." As prayers and support pour in from her hometown, negotiations for her release continue, underscoring the precarious state of safety in the region.
Local journalist Harold Isaac provided insights into the situation, noting that about 80-90% of Port-au-Prince is under gang influence. He remarked on the increasing severity of crime in recent months, with this kidnapping serving as a stark indicator of the dire conditions and ongoing unrest in the area.
