The family of an Irish woman kidnapped from an orphanage in Haiti have expressed their “absolute devastation,” describing the situation as “deeply worrying.”
Gena Heraty, the director of the facility, was among several individuals abducted in Kenscoff, near Haiti’s capital, on Sunday morning, according to Mayor Massillon Jean.
Her whereabouts remain unknown since the group, which includes a three-year-old child, was taken from the orphanage, which provides care for over 250 children.
According to Irish broadcaster RTÉ, contact has been established with the gang involved in the kidnapping.
RTÉ News reports that phone communications have occurred between the gang and intermediaries within the Caribbean nation.
Ms. Heraty, originally from Westport in County Mayo, oversees the orphanage, which is operated by the humanitarian organization Nos Petits Freres Et Soeurs (Our Little Brothers And Sisters).
The facility is situated in the commune of Kenscoff, approximately 10km (6.2 miles) southeast of the capital, Port-au-Prince.
Mayor Massillon Jean stated that the attackers breached the orphanage around 15:30 local time (07:30 GMT) “without opening fire,” characterizing it as a “planned act.”
Jean indicated that the assailants breached a wall to gain entry to the property before proceeding to the building where Ms. Heraty was residing.
Haitian newspaper Le Nouvelliste reports that gang members are believed to be responsible for the attack.
Gang violence and kidnappings are prevalent in various areas in and around Port-au-Prince, where the UN reports that armed groups control approximately 85% of the city.
UN figures indicate that nearly 350 people were kidnapped in Haiti during the first half of 2025. The UN Human Rights Office also reported that at least 3,141 individuals were killed during the same period.
Ms. Heraty’s family conveyed their “absolute devastation,” describing the situation as “evolving and deeply worrying.”
“We are collaborating closely with NPFS [Nos Petits Frères et Sœurs] in Haiti and Ireland, the Irish government, and international partners who are diligently working to ensure the safe and immediate release of Gena and her colleagues,” they stated.
“Out of respect for the ongoing efforts and for Gena’s safety, we are unable to share further details at this time.”
Norma Lopez, a friend and colleague of Ms. Heraty, has called for her safe return, enabling her to continue “her valuable work in Haiti.”
“Her focus is specifically on individuals with special needs, as this is a significant requirement in Haiti,” she stated.
“When working with her, she is always contemplating what more can be done.”
Tánaiste (Irish Deputy Prime Minister) and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris has engaged with EU officials regarding Ms. Heraty.
He addressed the kidnapping with the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, on Tuesday.
Harris stated that Kallas has agreed for the EU to designate a specific point of contact in Haiti, who will work directly with Ireland on the ongoing efforts to secure the hostages’ release.
A diplomat within the EU’s team of representatives in Haiti will now be assigned as the point of contact for the case.
Harris also spoke by phone with Haiti’s Foreign Minister, Harvel Jean-Baptiste, requesting that all measures be taken to ensure the release of Ms. Heraty and the other hostages.
Tommy Marren, a presenter on Midwest Radio in County Mayo and an acquaintance of Ms. Heraty, described her as “passionate, selfless, and resilient,” noting that she is regarded in County Mayo as “a living saint.”
“She is a dedicated and loyal individual who is caring for some of the most vulnerable members of society,” he stated.
“Yesterday evening, in a small parish church in Cushlough, where she grew up, the parish priest stated that all people can do now is pray and hope for a positive outcome.”
“Gena’s family are absolutely distraught and devastated.”
Harold Isaac, a journalist in Port-au-Prince, told BBC Radio Ulster’s Good Morning Ulster programme on Tuesday that “negotiations are ongoing through various people involved to try and secure their release.”
“Approximately 80 to 90% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, is under some form of gang control,” he stated.
“This has been an ongoing situation for the entire metropolitan area for the past few years, but it has intensified in recent months as authorities struggle to regain control of the situation.”
“The neighborhood where the orphanage is located has been under gang assault for the past six months, and this attack serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of the situation.”
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