Humanitarian worker Gena among 8 snatched from orphanage

THE family of an Irishwoman who was kidnapped in Haiti say the situation is “deeply worrying” as they pray for her safe return.

- BY CIARA O'LOUGHLIN

Gena Heraty, from Westport, Co Mayo, was among seven adults and a three-year-old child kidnapped in the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince.

The humanitarian worker is the director of the Sainte-Helene orphanage, run by Nos Petits Freres et Soeurs (NPFS), in the commune of Kenscoff.

In a statement, her family said: “The situation is evolving and deeply worrying. We are working closely with NPFS in Haiti and Ireland, the Irish Government, and international partners who are doing everything possible to ensure the safe and immediate release of Gena and her colleagues.

“NPFS Haiti is working actively to ensure the ongoing safety and well-being of all the children and workers at the orphanage in Kenscoff during this challenging time. We ask that you keep Gena and her colleagues in your hearts as we pray for their safe return.”