An Irish aid worker who was kidnapped on August 3 has been released, her relieved family has confirmed.
Gena Heraty, from Westport, Co Mayo, was taken along with seven other people, including a three-year-old child, from an orphanage in Kenscoff, Haiti, almost a month ago.
Sharing a positive update on Friday, Gena's family confirmed that she and all the others abducted from the orphanage have been recovered.
Her family said: '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.'
Simon Harris also shared a statement about Gena's return, saying: ‘I am delighted to confirm that Irish humanitarian worker Gena Heraty has now been released... So happy and relieved, beyond words.
‘This is the outcome we had all hoped for and I want to sincerely thank all those who played a part in securing their release, including Gena’s colleagues at Nos Petits Freres et Soeurs, the local community representatives, Haitian authorities, An Garda Síochána, our UN and European partners and the many officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for their tireless work to achieve this result.’
Simon continued: ‘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.
‘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.
‘While we welcome this news, it is also important that we do not lose sight of the challenges facing the people of Haiti. I now send Gena, her family and all those released my very best wishes. We will continue to provide all possible support as they recover from their terrible ordeal.'
Gena has been in Haiti for 33 years, working to help children with special needs on the island nation. She is well known around the commune of Kenscoff, about 10km southeast of the capital Port-au-Prince.
