Gena Heraty was kidnapped alongside seven workers and a three-year-old child
An Irish missionary is among nine individuals who have been kidnapped from an orphanage in Haiti.
Gena Heraty, hailing from Westport in Mayo, serves as the director of the Sainte-Helene orphanage located in Kenscoff, a commune situated 10km southeast of Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti.
The Mayor of Kenscoff, Masillon Jean, reported that Ms Heraty, seven other staff members and a three year old child were abducted from the orphanage.
READ MORE: HMRC twist as full list of people facing massive inheritance tax bill releasedREAD MORE: EasyJet passenger sickened when they see what couple are up to on flight
According to AFP, the Irish woman contacted Nos Petits Frères et Soeurs, the organisation responsible for the orphanage, on Sunday to confirm her kidnapping. No demands or requests for ransom have been made so far, reports the Irish Mirror.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed its awareness of the situation and is providing “consular assistance”.
A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs informed the Irish Mirror: “The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance. As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the details of individual cases.”
Ms Heraty has resided in Haiti for over thirty years, having initially left in 1993 for a six-month placement that evolved into a lifelong commitment.
She has tirelessly worked to assist children with physical and intellectual disabilities in Haiti, including establishing a residential home for children with special needs within the orphanage.
In a blog post for the University of Limerick, Ms Heraty expressed: “I feel so blessed to be able to do what I do. Anyone who lives with children with special needs will tell you that every day is a drama, but a wonderful drama.”
Ms Heraty has received numerous accolades for her charitable efforts, including being awarded Irish Red Cross Humanitarian of the Year.
In a statement released on Monday night, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Harris confirmed he has been in contact with Gena Heraty’s family.
He said: “Intensive and ongoing efforts aimed at securing the release of Gena, as well as the seven other hostages being held captive in Haiti, are continuing this evening.
“This is an extremely sensitive case; one that is being worked on tirelessly by our teams in Dublin, Washington and London.
“Throughout the day, both my officials and I have been in close contact with Gena’s family. We are also in touch with local authorities and Nos Petits Frères et Sœurs, the organisation Gena works for.
“This evening, I want to reiterate our commitment to ensuring everything possible is done to bring about the release of Gena, her co-workers and indeed the three-year-old child at the centre of this case.
“Gena is a deeply courageous and kind-hearted person who has given so much of her life to the humanitarian work that she cares so much about.
“As Tánaiste, I treat the safety and well-being of all our citizens with seriousness and sensitivity.When further updates are available, they will be provided.”
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
#Irish #woman #among #people #kidnapped #orphanage #Haiti
