Irish Woman Gena Heraty Reveals Harrowing Captivity in Haiti

BREAKING: Irish humanitarian worker Gena Heraty, recently freed after a harrowing 27-day kidnapping in Haiti, speaks out about her traumatic experience. In her first interview since her release on August 30, 2023, Heraty detailed the terror she faced at the hands of armed gang members who threatened her life.

Heraty, who operates an orphanage for children and adults with special needs, was abducted alongside six others, including a vulnerable four-year-old child. The kidnapping occurred in the early hours while they were asleep in their pajamas. “I truly am very well all things considered,” she remarked during the emotional interview with Midwest Radio’s Tommy Marren.

The gang members, armed and aggressive, demanded to be taken to the “nuns’ house” and boasted about their power. “They told me they would blow me up,” she recounted, but she remained resolute, knowing her value as a hostage. The emotional toll was immense, especially as she worried about the safety of the small child in their care, who she described as “developmentally not even four.” Heraty expressed her anger at the kidnapping, questioning the motives behind targeting innocent children.

During her captivity, the captives endured appalling conditions, confined to a small, dark, and dirty room. Heraty described being “squished like sardines” and facing severe food shortages. The women rationed meager supplies to ensure the child had enough. “We had no diapers when he had diarrhea,” she said, highlighting the dire circumstances they faced daily.

Heraty’s fear escalated as she learned about the gang’s connection to voodoo cultures. “I was petrified that any one of us could be used in a sacrifice,” she revealed, fearing that rituals could be demanded by the kidnappers. Her concerns were compounded by knowledge of others who had not survived similar abductions.

In a moment of resilience, she avoided crying out during beatings, understanding that it would only please her captors. Instead, she turned her suffering into prayers for those less fortunate, citing hunger strikers and her Irish ancestors as sources of strength. “Every single thing that we suffered, we turned it into a prayer for people that were worse off than us,” she reflected.

The day of their release was filled with mixed emotions as they were reunited with their team. However, tragedy struck during her absence; one of the oldest residents of her orphanage, Yvonne, died, an event Heraty blames on the trauma of the kidnapping. “I’m convinced she wouldn’t have died if it wasn’t for that trauma,” she stated, expressing her determination not to forgive the kidnappers.

Despite the physical and emotional scars, Heraty remains committed to her mission in Haiti. Her orphanage has been displaced since the incident, yet she expressed a profound desire to continue her work. “I’m dying to see my family, but I will keep going,” she affirmed. She aims to return to Mayo before Christmas to reassure her loved ones that she is well.

In a heartfelt plea, Heraty urged listeners to pray for peace in Haiti, emphasizing the critical need for global awareness of the ongoing kidnapping crisis. “People are kidnapped in Haiti every day,” she warned, calling for continued prayers from the community.

As news of her ordeal spreads, Heraty’s story serves not only as a testament to her strength but also as a call to action for those concerned about humanitarian issues in Haiti. Donations to support her work can be made through her orphanage’s official channels.

This urgent update sheds light on the pressing issue of safety and security for humanitarian workers in high-risk areas. As Heraty continues her recovery, the world watches, hoping her story sparks change and increased awareness of the plight faced by many in Haiti.