Irish missionary freedom after the kidnapping of Haiti

The missionary family, who kidnapped Gina Hirati in Haiti, said they were “comfortable behind the words” when they were released.

Mrs. Hirati, who is originally from Westport in May Province, is the director of an orphanage in Haiti, and was among the many people who were taken by the alleged gang members in Kinskov, near the capital, on August 3.

Global calls from the charitable organization that employed, as well as Taoiseach (PM PM), Michel Martin, have paid for its safe version.

In a statement on Friday, the family of Mrs. Hirati confirmed that, along with other prisoners, they were released and thanked the participants in their recovery.

The statement added: “We are very grateful to everyone, in Haiti and internationally, who worked tirelessly during these terrible weeks to help secure their safe return.”

The family thanked Tánaise (Irish Deputy Prime Minister) Simon Harris and his team, as well as the Irish ambassador to the United States, Geraldine Bernon Nasson, for their support.

They said: “The global heating of anxiety, love, prayers and solidarity showed by Gina and for us by friends, neighbors, societies and colleagues, and indeed there is no connection with us at all, was a great source of comfort and support.”

The family said the priority is “health, protection and privacy” by Mrs. Hirati.

“We ask the media to respect the need for privacy because all those concerned recover from this painful ordeal.

“We still retain my hearts in our hearts and hope for peace and safety for all who are affected by continuous armed violence and insecurity there.”

Harris, who is also the Irish Foreign Minister, confirmed that Mrs. Hirati, as well as other prisoners, stated that she was “safe and healthy” and was “the result that we all hoped for.”

“Of course, this was a very difficult position and a struggle for the Hirati family,” he said.

“I would like to build flexibility and their determination to support Gina and her family colleagues during these past difficult weeks.”

Tánaiste described as a missionary as a “human person and a deep brave” that has devoted her life to supporting the weak people in Haiti.

“While we welcome this news, it is also important not to lose sight of the challenges facing the Haiti people,” he added.

“I am now sending Gina, her family and all those who issued my best wishes. We will continue to provide all the support to recover from their terrible ordeal.”

“There is a” great feeling of relief “, knowing that it has been released.

“Her flexibility has always been unusual and I now think it will be more than ever that she will be designed on Haiti will be her home,” he told BBC Radio Ulster’s Eventing Program.

Mr. Marin said that the family “is now trying to get its heads about good news” and it is hoped that she will return to boycotting her home “before the end of this year.”

Mrs. Hirati oversees the orphanage, run by the Humanitarian Organization NOS Peetits Frères Et Soeurs (our brothers and young sisters).

It is located in the municipality of Kenscoff, about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) southeast of the capital, Port-UU-PRINCE.

On August 3, the attackers stormed orphans through a wall in a “planned attack”, as Mayor Massilon Jean said at the time, before going to the building where Mrs. Hirati was staying.

Haitia newspaper Lu Nevilist reported that the gang members are believed to be responsible for the attack.

Gang and kidnapping are also common in other areas of Port-UU-PRINCE around and around, as the United Nations says armed groups control about 85 % of the city.

In the first half of 2025, UN numbers show that nearly 350 people were kidnapped in Haiti.