How Haitian town where Irish missionary was abducted has slipped into lawlessness as brutal gang expands its power
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Irish Daily Mirror
26 minutes ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Tanaiste provides major update on kidnapped Gena Heraty in Haiti
An Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris has said 'intensive and ongoing efforts' aimed at securing the release of Gena Heraty and eight other hostages being held captive in Haiti, are continuing this evening. Ms Heraty, a native of Westport in Co Mayo, who is in her mid-50s, oversees the Sainte-Helene orphanage in the commune of Kenscoff, about 10km southeast of the capital, Port au Prince. The facility is operated by the humanitarian organisation 'Nos Petits Freres et Soeurs' (Our Little Brothers and Sisters). Ms Heraty was among eight staff kidnapped, as well as a three-year-old child, at around 3.30am on Monday (7.30am Irish time) in what has been described as a 'planned attack,' by Kenscoff Mayor Masillon Jean. In an updated statement on Monday evening, An Tanaiste provided an updated statement saying 'intensive and ongoing efforts aimed at securing the release of Gena, as well as the eight other hostages being held captive in Haiti, are continuing this evening.' 'This is an extremely sensitive case; one that is being worked on tirelessly by our teams in Dublin, Washington and London,' An Tanaiste said. 'Throughout the day, both my officials and I have been in close contact with Gena's family. 'We are also in touch with local authorities and Nos Petits Frères et Sœurs, the organisation Gena works for. 'This evening, I want to reiterate our commitment to ensuring everything possible is done to bring about the release of Gena, her co-workers and indeed the three-year-old child at the centre of this case. 'Gena is a deeply courageous and kind-hearted person who has given so much of her life to the humanitarian work that she cares so much about. 'As Tánaiste, I treat the safety and well-being of all our citizens with seriousness and sensitivity. 'When further updates are available, they will be provided.' Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here
Irish Independent
3 hours ago
- Irish Independent
How Haitian town where Irish missionary was abducted has slipped into lawlessness as brutal gang expands its power
The Haitian town from where Irish missionary Gena Heraty was abducted has been under siege since the start of the year by a criminal group designated as a foreign terror organisation by the US government.
Irish Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Man becomes second e-scooter driver to die on Irish roads this year
A man has become the second e-scooter driver to die on Irish roads so far this year. Late on Sunday night gardaí and emergency services were dispatched to the scene of a two vehicle collision on the Old Navan Road in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. The collision involved a car and an e-scooter. A man in his 30s, who was the driver of the e-scooter, was taken to James Connolly Hospital. He was sadly later pronounced deceased. Gardaí say no other injuries were reported following the collision. The man becomes the second e-scooter driver to die on Irish roads so far this year. Young father Jack Goss, 21, sadly lost his life after a road traffic incident on the Cappagh Road in Finglas, Dublin 11. The accident occurred on Father's Day, June 15. He was taken to Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown but passed away the following day. In a death notice, his heartbroken family said that he brought 'so much love, kindness and joy' into their lives. It continued: 'Jack's incredible spirit and big heart will forever be missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, loved ones and his community whom he loved.' Jack Goss (Image: Supplied by family) According to garda statistics, 96 people have died on Irish roads so far this year. This is 10 fewer when compared to the same period in 2024. Last year, four people died following a collision involving an e-scooter. This includes 15-year-old Gilbert Collins and Avuzwa Idris, 17, who sadly lost their lives after an accident involving a bus in Waterford. Cyclists and e-scooter users are 11 times more likely to sustain severe and serious injuries in road traffic collisions than motorists, according to a report by the Injuries Resolution Board. It found that in 2023, €9.8m was paid out in personal injury claims to injured cyclists and e-scooter users. Gardaí are appealing to anyone who witnessed the tragic accident on Sunday night in Blanchardstown to come forward. A spokesperson said: 'Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 10:40pm and 11:00pm, are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí. 'Anyone with information is asked to contact Blanchardstown Garda Station on 01 666 7000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.' Sign up to the Irish Mirror's Courts and Crime newsletter here and get breaking crime updates and news from the courts direct to your inbox.
