A shocking incident unfolded in Haiti this past Sunday when nine individuals, including Irish missionary Gena Heraty and a young child, were abducted from the Sainte-Hélène orphanage in Kenscoff, near Port-au-Prince. The local mayor, Massillon Jean, stated that the gang members executed a planned assault around 3:30 AM, entering the facility by breaking through a wall without firing shots.
Gena Heraty has dedicated her life to serving the over 240 children at the orphanage, a haven for many who are vulnerable or disabled. Despite the dangers and escalating gang violence in Haiti, she previously expressed her commitment to stay, saying, “The children are why I'm still here. We’re in this together.”
The rise in gang activity has led to a grim security situation in the country, with armed groups controlling about 85% of Port-au-Prince. Earlier in July, six employees from UNICEF were kidnapped, with most of them released after weeks of captivity. The UN has reported a tripling of internally displaced individuals in Haiti due to violence, with over a million affected.
As the situation continues to unfold, the Irish government has acknowledged the incident and is providing consular support, but no ransom demands have yet been made. Organizations like Heraty's are crucial in a tough environment, highlighting the bravery and resolve of those working in humanitarian roles amidst life-threatening challenges.
