Gena Heraty, the director of the Sainte-Hélène orphanage, was taken on Sunday alongside seven employees and a child during a calculated attack by armed individuals in Kenscoff, near Port-au-Prince. The family has communicated their devastation and deep concern, stating that they are collaborating closely with the humanitarian organization Nos Petits Frères et Sœurs and the Irish government to secure Heraty's release.
According to Mayor Massillon Jean, the attackers forcibly entered the premises around 07:30 GMT by breaking through a wall, which he described as a "planned act." The location of Heraty and the others is currently unknown, prompting intensive efforts for their safe return. In response to the incident, Irish Tánaiste Simon Harris has engaged in discussions with Haitian officials to ensure the safe release of the individuals.
Amid escalating violence in Port-au-Prince, where gangs reportedly control a significant portion of the city, the challenge of negotiating releases from kidnappings has grown increasingly daunting. Reports indicate that nearly 350 people were abducted in the first half of this year alone, alongside thousands of killings attributed to rampant gang activity.
Supporters and community members have been vocal about Heraty's character, with local figures referring to her as "a living saint" dedicated to caring for the vulnerable children at the orphanage. As her family, friends, and community hold onto hope, they are also urging prayers for a positive outcome in this troubling situation.
The ongoing crises in Haiti, including gang risks and rising numbers of internally displaced people, underscore the pressing need for comprehensive aid and intervention strategies to restore safety and stability in the region.
According to Mayor Massillon Jean, the attackers forcibly entered the premises around 07:30 GMT by breaking through a wall, which he described as a "planned act." The location of Heraty and the others is currently unknown, prompting intensive efforts for their safe return. In response to the incident, Irish Tánaiste Simon Harris has engaged in discussions with Haitian officials to ensure the safe release of the individuals.
Amid escalating violence in Port-au-Prince, where gangs reportedly control a significant portion of the city, the challenge of negotiating releases from kidnappings has grown increasingly daunting. Reports indicate that nearly 350 people were abducted in the first half of this year alone, alongside thousands of killings attributed to rampant gang activity.
Supporters and community members have been vocal about Heraty's character, with local figures referring to her as "a living saint" dedicated to caring for the vulnerable children at the orphanage. As her family, friends, and community hold onto hope, they are also urging prayers for a positive outcome in this troubling situation.
The ongoing crises in Haiti, including gang risks and rising numbers of internally displaced people, underscore the pressing need for comprehensive aid and intervention strategies to restore safety and stability in the region.
