I was petrified that any one of us would be used in a sacrifice

AN Irish missionary who was kidnapped in Haiti has told of her fears that she would be killed in a voodoo ritual.

- BY SHAUNA BANNON WARD

Mayo woman Gena Heraty has spoken out for the first time since being freed from her 27-day captivity after being abducted last month, along with seven other people, from an orphanage she runs in Haiti.

She described feeling "petrified" that any of the people that were kidnapped "would be used in a sacrifice" in a voodoo ceremony.

"A lot of these gangs will tell you themselves they are working for the devil. That is what they will tell you," Ms Heraty explained.

"They would have their voodoo ceremonies and all of that. I was petrified that any one of us would be used in a sacrifice.

POWER

"That some witch doctor would say to them, 'If you want to have all your strength and power you need to do this to these people'.

She added: "From day one I was petrified and as the days and weeks went on you were fighting more to keep your fears at bay."

Ms Heraty was released after diplomatic efforts were made by a support team appointed by the Tanaiste Simon Harris.

She opened up about how she was starved and had to deal with threats during her time being held captive.

"I truly am very well, all things considered," she told Tommy Marren on MidWest Radio.