Kidnappers demand ransom for American nurse and her child
Alix Dorsainvil, a nurse from New Hampshire, and her daughter were kidnapped in Haiti on July 29, 2023, while working for a community ministry called El Roi Haiti. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of $1 million for their release, according to CNN.
Dorsainvil’s family and friends in the US launched a campaign to raise funds and awareness for their situation. They also appealed to the US government and the Haitian authorities to intervene and secure their safe return.
Haiti has been plagued by a surge of kidnappings in recent years, as gangs take advantage of the political and economic instability in the country. According to the United Nations, more than 600 people were abducted in Haiti in the first six months of 2021, a five-fold increase from the previous year.
El Roi Haiti confirms the release of Dorsainvil and her daughter
On August 9, 2023, El Roi Haiti announced that Dorsainvil and her daughter had been released after being held hostage for 11 days. The organization did not disclose the details of how they were freed, but thanked God for answering their prayers.
“It is with a heart of gratitude and immense joy that we at El Roi Haiti confirm the safe release of our staff member and friend, Alix Dorsainvil and her child who were held hostage in Port au Prince, Haiti. Today we are praising God for answered prayer,” the statement said.
The organization also asked that no one contact Dorsainvil or her family, as they needed time to process and heal from the traumatic experience.
US State Department welcomes the news of Dorsainvil’s release
The US State Department expressed its relief and happiness over the news of Dorsainvil’s release. A spokesperson said that the US embassy in Port-au-Prince had been in close contact with Dorsainvil’s family and El Roi Haiti throughout the ordeal, and had provided consular assistance to them.
“We are delighted that Alix Dorsainvil and her daughter are safe and reunited with their loved ones. We commend the efforts of the Haitian National Police and the Haitian government to resolve this case. We continue to urge all Americans to exercise caution when traveling to Haiti, given the high risk of kidnapping and crime,” the spokesperson said.
The US has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Haiti, warning its citizens not to travel there due to crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, and Covid-19.
Dorsainvil’s family thanks everyone who supported them
Dorsainvil’s family issued a statement on Facebook, thanking everyone who supported them during the difficult time. They said that they were overjoyed to have Dorsainvil and her daughter back home, and that they were grateful for the prayers, donations, messages, and calls they received.
“We are so thankful to God for His faithfulness and His protection over Alix and her daughter. We are also so thankful for all of you who have been praying with us, giving generously, sharing our posts, calling us, texting us, emailing us, and standing with us in solidarity. You have been a source of strength and encouragement for us. We are overwhelmed by your love and kindness,” the statement said.
The family also asked for privacy and respect as they recovered from the ordeal.
