05-08-2025
Abducted in Haiti - Gena Heraty's family issue major update
The family of an Irish woman kidnapped from an orphanage in Haiti have asked for the public to keep Gena as well as 'everyone taken with her' as the 'prayer for her speedy return'.
Gena Heraty, from Westport in Mayo, was one of nine people, including a three-year-old child, kidnapped by heavily armed individuals from the Sainte-Hélène orphanage in Haiti on Sunday.
Gena is the director of the orphanage in the commune of Kenscoff, 10km southeast of the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince, which is run by the organization "Nos Petits frères et soeurs" and houses approximately 270 children, including about 50 with disabilities.
On Tuesday, Tanaiste Simon Harris held talks with his Haitian counterpart about Gena, speaking to Haiti's foreign minister, Harvel Jean-Baptiste by phone and asked that everything be done to ensure the release of Ms Heraty and the other hostages.
Now Gena's family have said they are 'truly so grateful' for all of the messages of support they have received over the past days as they shared that Gena is 'loved and respected by so many people'. Irish volunteer Gena Heraty has been kidnapped
Gena's family said in a statement: 'We, the family of Gena Heraty, are still coming to terms with the awful news that Gena and seven others were kidnapped from the St. Helene property in the orphanage in Kenscoff, Haiti, on August 3, 2025.
'We continue to work closely with Nos Petits Freres et Soeurs (NPH) in Haiti and Ireland, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and international partners who have all assured us that everything possible is being done to get Gena, and those taken with her, safely released as soon as possible.
'Gena is loved and respected by so many people, as is evident in the outpouring of concern, support and prayers from everyone near and far. We are truly so grateful for all the messages of support we have received over the past few days.
'Given the sensitivity and evolving nature of what has happened, and mindful of the ongoing efforts to get everyone released safely, we are not in a position to share any further details at present. We echo NPH International in asking for discretion and patience throughout this difficult time.
'We continue to ask that you keep Gena, everyone taken with her, and their families in your hearts as we pray for their safe and speedy return.'
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