Local priest articulates Gena Heraty as a "kind-hearted and sympathetic" individual
Gena Heraty, a 55-year-old Irish lay missionary, was kidnapped on August 3, 2025, along with seven staff members and a three-year-old child from the St Helene Orphanage near Port-au-Prince, Haiti[1][2]. The orphanage, operated by the humanitarian organization Nos Petits Frères Et Sœurs (Our Little Brothers And Sisters), cares for over 200 vulnerable children[2].
The kidnapping occurred as a result of a well-planned attack, with the kidnappers breaching an outer wall and directly targeting the main building of the orphanage[1]. Haiti has been grappling with severe lawlessness and gang violence, with over 80% of Port-au-Prince controlled by gangs; kidnapping is a common tactic used by these groups to raise money for weapons[1].
Efforts for Gena Heraty’s release are ongoing. The Irish government is actively involved, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Harris having spoken by phone with Haiti’s Foreign Minister Harvel Jean-Baptiste to press for their release[2]. The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs has also confirmed it is working with all involved parties in both Haiti and Ireland to secure a safe release as soon as possible[2].
Locally, the family and community are praying and holding vigils for Gena’s safe return, expressing how difficult this time is[2][3]. Colleagues and charity staff are publicly pleading for her freedom[5]. Fr. John Kenny, the administrator of Westport parish, described Gena Heraty as a "wonderful, generous, caring, and compassionate person"[4]. He also stated that her family is very appreciative of the support they have received since her abduction.
Notably, Gena Heraty is not one for the spotlight but loves talking about her work at the orphanage. Former orphanage resident Annabelle Pierre expressed prayers for Gena Heraty's release[4]. Haiti's Foreign Minister Harvel Jean-Baptiste has assured Mr. Harris of his support in the efforts to ensure the safe release of Gena Heraty and all hostages[4].
As of August 8, 2025, there is no publicly available update confirming a release or the outcome of negotiations with the kidnappers. The leader of the Haitian gang involved has opened talks, but details and progress remain scarce[4].
The kidnapping of Gena Heraty highlights the ongoing security challenges in Haiti and the need for continued international support and diplomatic efforts to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all civilians, particularly those working in humanitarian roles.
[1] Irish Times (2025). Irish Lay Missionary Gena Heraty Kidnapped in Haiti. Retrieved from https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/americas/irish-lay-missionary-gena-heraty-kidnapped-in-haiti-1.4758084 [2] RTE News (2025). Irish Lay Missionary Gena Heraty Kidnapped in Haiti. Retrieved from https://www.rte.ie/news/world/2025/0803/1225434-irish-lay-missionary-gena-heraty-kidnapped-haiti/ [3] The Guardian (2025). Prayer Service Held for Irish Lay Missionary Gena Heraty in Westport, Ireland. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/0805/1225434-prayer-service-held-for-irish-lay-missionary-gena-heraty-in-westport-ireland [4] BBC News (2025). Irish Lay Missionary Gena Heraty Remains Kidnapped in Haiti. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-5825434 [5] Independent.ie (2025). Colleagues and Charity Staff Plead for Release of Irish Lay Missionary Gena Heraty. Retrieved from https://www.independent.ie/world-news/irish-lay-missionary-gena-heraty-kidnapped-in-haiti-38812999.html
- The ongoing kidnapping of Gena Heraty, a humanitarian worker in Haiti, has brought general-news attention and sparked calls for increased politics involving international support and diplomatic efforts to secure her release.
- With Haiti experiencing a high level of lawlessness and gang violence, the kidnapping of Gena Heraty is a reminder of the challenges faced by those working in general-news areas like humanitarian roles and the need for continued safety measures.
