Gena Heraty was abducted alongside several others from a Haiti orphanage, prompting urgent international efforts for their safe return.
**Irish Missionary's Family Heartbroken Following Kidnapping in Haiti**
**Irish Missionary's Family Heartbroken Following Kidnapping in Haiti**
The family of Gena Heraty expresses deep concern as the search for the kidnapped missionary intensifies.
In the early hours of Sunday morning, tragedy struck at the privately-operated Sainte-Hélène orphanage in Kenscoff, Haiti, where Irish missionary Gena Heraty was taken hostage. Her family has shared their devastation, calling the incident "deeply worrying." Heraty, originally from Westport, County Mayo, was leading the orphanage, which provides care for over 250 children.
The attack occurred approximately 10 kilometers southeast of Port-au-Prince and involved armed assailants reportedly gaining entry by breaking through a wall, as confirmed by mayor Massillon Jean. Following the assault, Heraty, seven staff members, and a child went missing, leaving their families and the community in turmoil.
The Irish government has mobilized resources, initiating discussions with Haitian officials to expedite the process of securing Heraty's release. Her family is working closely with the humanitarian organization Nos Petits Frères et Sœurs (NPFS) and international partners to navigate this perilous situation. They have requested privacy as efforts unfold, citing ongoing negotiations for the hostages’ safe return.
Tánaiste (Irish Deputy Prime Minister) Simon Harris has actively engaged with Haiti's leadership to emphasize the urgency of the situation. In an area rife with gang violence - where armed groups control as much as 85% of Port-au-Prince - kidnappings have become disturbingly common.
Local news outlets, including Le Nouvelliste, have suggested that gang members are behind the kidnapping, reflecting a broader climate of insecurity impacting the nation. In 2025 alone, nearly 350 people were reported kidnapped in Haiti as gang violence escalates.
Beloved by her community, Heraty has been described by friend and radio presenter Tommy Marren as "passionate, selfless, and resilient." Marren urged for collective hope and prayer for Heraty during this trying time, emphasizing her dedication to the vulnerable populations she serves.
Journalist Harold Isaac, based in Port-au-Prince, has confirmed that efforts are being made to negotiate for the family’s safe release. He advised that the region surrounding the orphanage has been the target of gang activity, reinforcing the fragility of the current situation in Haiti.
