Irish missionary Gena Heraty, who was kidnapped in Haiti last month, has been released.
Heraty was taken on 3 August together with several others from an orphanage in Kenscoff near the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince.
Her kidnapping prompted international outcry, including from Irish Taoiseach Michéal Martin who was amongst those calling for her release.
A press release from her family expressed thanks for the successful recovery of Heraty and her companions and said they were “relieved beyond words” that she was not in captivity.
They said their immediate priority now was Heraty’s “health, protection and privacy” as she recovers from her ordeal.
“We are so deeply grateful to everyone, in Haiti and internationally, who has worked tirelessly over these terrible weeks to assist secure their protected return,” they said.
They continued, “The global outpouring of concern, love, prayers, and solidarity shown for Gena and to us by friends, neighbours, communities, colleagues, and indeed those with no connection to us in any respect has been an enormous source of comfort and support.”
They added, “We proceed to carry Haiti in our hearts and hope for peace and safety for all those that are affected by the continuing armed violence and insecurity there.”
Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister, Simon Harris, said it was the “final result we had all hoped for” although he added that it was necessary to not “lose sight of the challenges facing the people of Haiti”.
He said the federal government would proceed to supply support to Heraty as she continues to recuperate.
“This has after all been a very difficult and stressful situation for the Heraty family,” he said.
“I want to pay tribute to their resilience and determination to support Gena and her fellow captives over these past difficult weeks.”
