Gena Heraty has lived in Haiti since 1993, running the Sainte-Helene orphanage for up to 270 children. Recently, Gena was kidnapped along with seven workers and a three-year-old child. The incident occurred around 3:30 am when attackers broke through a wall, executed a planned act and took the hostages. The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed it is aware of the case and providing assistance. Tánaiste Simon Harris expressed concern over the kidnapping and reiterated the urgency for Gena's immediate release.
"The attackers broke into the orphanage around 3:30am without opening fire," said the mayor of Kenscoff, Masillon Jean, calling it a "planned act". "They broke through a wall to enter the property before heading to the building where the director was staying, leaving with nine hostages."
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Harris said he has spoken to the family of Gena Heraty and said her kidnapping is "deeply worrying". Speaking today, the Tánaiste said: "The kidnapping of Irish citizen Gena Heraty, along with seven of her colleagues and a three-year-old child from the grounds of an orphanage in Kenscoff, Haiti, is deeply worrying. Gena has served the people of Haiti for over 30 years."
It is imperative that she is released immediately. This morning, I had a good conversation with Gena's sister, Noreen, and I assured her that all is being done to ensure Gena's release. My Department is in close contact with the Heraty family, local authorities and Nos Petits Frères et Soeurs, the organisation Gena works for.
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