Family of kidnapped Mayo humanitarian pray for 'safe return’
The Westport woman is the the Director of Special Needs Programmes at Nos Petits Frères et Sœurs (NPFS), an organisation that supports children and young adults living with disabilities
The family of Westport woman Gena Heraty are "absolutely devastated by the awful news that Gena and seven of her colleagues were kidnapped from the orphanage grounds in Kenscoff, Haiti."
The popular humanitarian has lived and worked in Haiti since 1993 and is the Director of Special Needs Programmes at Nos Petits Frères et Sœurs (NPFS), an organisation that supports children and young adults living with disabilities. NPFS is part of the Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH) network.
In a statement to The Mayo News, the Heraty family "ask that you keep Gena and her colleagues in your hearts as we pray for their safe return."
They describe the situation as 'evolving and deeply worrying.'
"We are working closely with NPFS in Haiti and Ireland, the Irish Government, and international partners who are doing everything possible to ensure the safe and immediate release of Gena and her colleagues."
"NPFS Haiti is working actively to ensure the ongoing safety and well-being of all the children and workers at the orphanage in Kenscoff during this challenging time."
They say that "out of respect for the ongoing efforts and for Gena’s safety, we are not in a position to share further details at this time."