Gangs in Haiti: Irish missionary and three-year-old child kidnapped from their orphanage

They were kidnapped in the middle of the night in Kenscoff, a town southeast of the capital Port-au-Prince, from their Sainte-Hélène orphanage, part of the "Nos petits frères et soeurs" organization, which operates in many Central and South American countries.

The victims included the head of the facility, Gena Heraty, an Irish missionary, seven Haitian employees, and a three-year-old child with a disability, the mayor of Kenscoff, Masillon Jean, and a source close to the humanitarian organization told AFP.

"The attackers burst into the orphanage around 3:30 a.m. (7:30 a.m. GMT), without opening fire. They broke through a wall to enter the property before heading towards the building where the manager was staying, and leaving with the nine hostages," explained the mayor, referring to "a planned action."

No claim of responsibility or ransom demand has been made. However, Ms. Heraty was able to briefly contact staff by phone on Sunday morning to confirm the kidnapping, the source close to the orphanage said. Saint Helena cares for approximately 270 children, including around 50 with disabilities.

On the website of "Nos Petits Frères et Sœurs", Gena Heraty is presented as an Irish woman "responsible for programs for children and young adults with disabilities in Haiti" and living in the poorest country in the Americas since 1993.

Police in difficulty

There have been a number of kidnappings of foreign missionaries in Haiti in recent years . In April 2021, ten people, including two French priests, were kidnapped in Croix des Bouquets by the "400 Mawozo" gang, before being released 20 days later. This same group was behind the kidnapping six months later of 16 American missionaries and one Canadian from the organization "Christian Aid Ministries."

Since January, the town of Kenscoff has been the target of the criminal coalition "Viv ansanm," which has already taken control of several towns and driven their residents away. Law enforcement is struggling to restore security in the area.