Mayo aid worker Gena Heraty released after month in captivity in Haiti
Mayo aid worker Gena Heraty is safe and well after been released from captivity in Haiti.
A statement issued by her family outlined: “We are so delighted to be able to share that Gena, and all those taken with her, have been released following their kidnapping on August 3, from the St. Hélène property in Kenscoff, Haiti.
“We are relieved beyond words. We are so deeply grateful to everyone, in Haiti and internationally, who has worked tirelessly over these terrible weeks to help secure their safe return.
"In particular we would like to acknowledge the support of an Tánaiste Simon Harris, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and his team at the Department of Foreign Affairs, including Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States of America.
“The global outpouring of concern, love, prayers, and solidarity shown for Gena and to us by friends, neighbours, communities, colleagues, and indeed those with no connection to us at all has been a huge source of comfort and support.
“For now our priority is Gena - her health, protection, and privacy - and those in her care. We kindly ask that the media respect the need for privacy as all those involved recover from this traumatic ordeal.
“We continue to hold Haiti in our hearts and hope for peace and safety for all those who are affected by the ongoing armed violence and insecurity there.”
Ms Heraty was abducted on August 3 along with seven others, including a three-year-old child, from the Sainte-Hélène orphanage in Kenscoff, Haiti.
Ms Heraty, a native of Westport, oversees the Sainte-Helene orphanage in Kenscoff, 10km southeast of the capital Port-au-Prince.
She has been living in Haiti for 32 years, running the orphanage which accommodates up to 270 children.
Her release comes after weeks of intense diplomatic efforts closely involved Tánaiste Simon Harris.
The Tánaiste welcomed the news of the release of Ms Heraty and all of the Haitian nationals.
He thanked Ms. Heraty's colleagues at Nos Petits Frères et Soeurs humanitarian organisation, local community representatives, Haitian authorities, An Garda Síochána, UN and European partners, and officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for their "tireless work to achieve this result."
"This has of course been an extraordinarily difficult and stressful situation for the Heraty family.
"I wish to pay tribute to their resilience and determination to support Gena and her fellow captives over these past difficult weeks," Mr Harris said.
"Gena is a respected humanitarian and deeply courageous person who has dedicated her life to supporting the most vulnerable people in Haiti.
"This is a timely moment to recognise the work of all Irish humanitarians and missionaries working in challenging contexts and providing life-saving support in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine and beyond."
Mr. Harris said his department will continue to provide all possible support to those released as they recover.