‘Keep her in your hearts’  - Family of Irish woman kidnapped in Haiti pray for her safe return

The family of Westport woman Gena Heraty have been assured that “that everything possible is being done to get Gena, and those taken with her, safely released as soon as possible” by Nos Petits Freres et Soeurs (NPH) in Haiti and Ireland, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and international partners. 

In a statement the Heraty family have said that they are still coming to terms with the awful news that Gena and seven others were kidnapped on Sunday. 

READ NEXT: RIP: 'An absolute gentleman'- Tributes paid to young man killed in tragic car crash

They also wished to express their gratitude for all the messages of support and said that “Gena is loved and respected by so many people, as is evident in the outpouring of concern, support and prayers from everyone near and far. We are truly so grateful for all the messages of support we have received over the past few days.”

They go on to say that “given the sensitivity and evolving nature of what has happened, and mindful of the ongoing efforts to get everyone released safely, we are not in a position to share any further details at present. We echo NPH International in asking for discretion and patience throughout this difficult time.”

“We continue to ask that you keep Gena, everyone taken with her, and their families in your hearts as we pray for their safe and speedy return.”

Diplomatic efforts continue

Tánaiste Simon Harris has raised Gena’s case with his Haitian counterpart and the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs has said that the Haiti’s Foreign Minister, Harvel Jean-Baptiste, has “assured me of his support in our work to ensure the safe release of Gena, and all the hostages, who have gone through the most horrendous of ordeals.

“We have agreed to stay in touch about the case, which remains extremely sensitive.”

READ NEXT: RIP: 'Shocking'- Tributes paid as man found in a pool of blood in his home named locally

Speaking after meeting with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, he stated that he “was glad tonight to secure the full backing of the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas. She has agreed to immediately put in place measures to support Ireland in relation to this case.”

As a result of these discussions, an EU diplomat based in Haiti will be tasked as the point of contact in the case. 

“This is an important development; ensuring that this case is firmly on the agenda of the European Union and our EU colleagues.”

Various different avenues at both political and diplomatic level continue to be exhausted as part of the ongoing efforts to secure Gena.