Gena Heraty, an Irish missionary who has spent much of her life in service to Haitian children. Most recently, she was abducted with a three-year-old passenger and seven staff members from the Sainte-Hélène orphanage in Kenscoff. This incident that happened on Sunday shocked the entire local community and unfortunately highlighted deep concerns regarding the safety of the entire region. Heraty is Director of the Nos Petits Frères et Sœurs humanitarian organization orphanage. This children’s home is barely able to take care of the over 270 needy children under its care.
The infamous 400 Mawazo gang, one of Haiti’s most dangerous criminal factions, is responsible for the kidnapping. They last made international headlines six months ago when they kidnapped a committee of 17 American and Canadian Christian missionaries. The Sainte-Hélène orphanage is located approximately 6.2 miles (10 kilometers) southeast of the capital of Port-au-Prince. Sadly, this city has been facing an all too familiar spike in gang related violence. For Kenscoff, this year has been especially difficult. The local Viv Ansanm (“Living Together”) gang has captured entire neighborhoods.
Gena Heraty has called Haiti home since 1993. Allison is passionate about creating a better world for children in need. The warning signs leading to her kidnapping are the most frightening. According to published accounts, the gang broke down a wall to enter the compound and then attacked the structure where she was sleeping.
“They broke through a wall to enter the property before heading to the building where the director was staying, leaving with nine hostages.” – source not specified
The US government responded very quickly to the growing security crisis in Haiti. On Monday, intense gunfire broke out around the State Department’s compound embassy in Port-au-Prince. In reply, the department sent out a security warning and discontinued all official movement beyond the embassy base for more than two years.
As violence has escalated against Haitians themselves, so too have fears about the security of foreign nationals in Haiti. Heraty’s kidnapping underscores the growing peril from armed militias in the area. The situation is still very dynamic, and it continues to be under the watch of local authorities and international organizations.