Title: Kidnapped American Nurse and Daughter Released After Weeks in Captivity in Haiti
Date: [Insert Date]
Location: Port-au-Prince, Haiti
In a display of the severe security risks faced by visitors to the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, kidnappers have released a U.S. nurse and her daughter nearly two weeks after they were snatched at gunpoint from a Christian-run school campus. The incident occurred on July 27, the same day the U.S. State Department issued a warning to U.S. citizens, urging them to leave Haiti as soon as possible due to security concerns.
The abduction of Alix Dorsainvil and her child highlights the escalating violence and gang warfare that has plagued Haiti since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. Gang members in the country frequently engage in acts of violence, including murder, rape, and kidnapping for ransom. According to a local nonprofit organization, there have been 539 kidnappings documented since January, marking a significant surge compared to previous years.
Amidst growing concerns for their safety, El Roi Haiti, the Christian group founded by Dorsainvil’s husband, called on people to pray for the safe return of the mother and daughter. However, hope dwindled as the days passed, leaving many anxious about their fate.
Fortunately, on Wednesday, El Roi Haiti confirmed the safe release of Alix Dorsainvil and her daughter, expressing gratitude and immense joy. The U.S. State Department also issued a statement, thanking both Haitian and U.S. interagency partners for their efforts in facilitating the release. Although the details surrounding their release remain undisclosed, there is speculation as to whether a ransom was paid.
The U.S. State Department emphasized the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas as their highest priority, acknowledging the physical and mental challenges the mother and daughter endured during their ordeal.
During a conversation with The Associated Press, El Roi Haiti indicated that they would provide further comment in the coming days, urging the community to allow time for processing and healing. They also issued a statement requesting that no one attempt to contact Dorsainvil and her family.
Upon hearing the news, residents living near El Roi Haiti’s campus in Port-au-Prince erupted in relief and joy. They lauded Dorsainvil as a beloved figure in the area and expressed their gratitude for her care and support.
Dorsainvil’s commitment to Haiti stems from her visit to the country after the devastating 2010 earthquake. She fell in love with the Haitian people and has dedicated her life to providing medical care, education, and other essential services to those living in impoverished areas.
Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts, where Dorsainvil graduated from, has a program that supports nursing education in Haiti. The college’s president, Antoinette Hays, expressed relief and continued support for Dorsainvil and her family as they embark on the healing process after the harrowing experience.
This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing security challenges faced by visitors to Haiti and the need for increased efforts to combat gang violence and ensure the safety of all citizens and foreigners.
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