The family of an Irishwoman kidnapped in Haiti alongside seven other hostages has asked people to keep the group "in your hearts" as efforts continue to secure their release. Gena Heraty, from Westport in County Mayo, was taken from an orphanage in Kenscoff on August 3 alongside seven others, including a three-year-old child.
Ms Heraty oversees the orphanage run by humanitarian organisation Nos Petits Freres Et Soeurs (Our Little Brothers And Sisters). Her family said they were "still coming to terms with the awful news" and asked for discretion during this "difficult" time.
EU designates Haiti contact
Ireland's deputy premier and foreign affairs minister Simon Harris has secured European Union support for the case, with the bloc designating a specific point of contact in Haiti. The EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, agreed to assign a diplomat from the EU's team of representatives in Haiti to work directly with Ireland.
Mr Harris described this as "an important development" ensuring the case remains "firmly on the agenda of the European Union". He also spoke by phone to Haiti's foreign minister Harvel Jean-Baptiste on Tuesday, asking that everything be done to ensure the hostages' release.
Government seeks hostage release
The Haitian minister assured Mr Harris of his support in securing the safe return of all those taken. "The minister assured me of his support in our work to ensure the safe release of Gena, and all the hostages, who have gone through the most horrendous of ordeals," Mr Harris said.
He added that officials would remain in "constant" contact with Ms Heraty's family and that the case "remains extremely sensitive". The family said they continue to work closely with the humanitarian organisation, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and international partners.
Community rallies in prayer
Crowds of locals and Ms Heraty's siblings attended a Monday mass in her parish church to pray for her safe return. The service in Cushlough drew an unusually large attendance, with "cars everywhere" according to parish priest Fr John Kenny.
Ms Heraty's sister Mary spoke at the mass, though Fr Kenny said she was "a little bit nervous" given concerns about anything that might upset the delicate situation. The family expressed gratitude for the "outpouring of concern, support and prayers from everyone near and far".
Decades of humanitarian work
Viatores Christi, a lay missionary organisation of which Ms Heraty is a member, said she has worked in Haiti for over 30 years. She leads the organisation's Special Needs Programme, dedicating her life to children and adults with disabilities.
Fr Kenny described Ms Heraty as "wonderful, generous and caring", noting that she avoids the spotlight and focuses attention on her work rather than herself. Several fundraising events have been held locally to support her humanitarian cause.
Previous security concerns
Ms Heraty survived a vicious assault in 2011 while working at the Haitian orphanage, when men broke in and attacked her with a hammer. Fr Kenny acknowledged the ongoing security challenges in the region, noting "there's a lot of unrest" alongside natural disasters that regularly affect the area.
The family said they are "not in a position to share any further details at present" given the sensitivity of the situation. They asked people to keep all those taken and their families in their hearts whilst praying for their "safe and speedy return".
(PA/London) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
