In a shocking incident that highlights the grave threat of gang violence plaguing Haiti, an American nurse and her daughter were abducted last week, leaving their fate unknown. Alix Dorsainvil, a New Hampshire native, was devotedly serving with the nonprofit Christian ministry El Roi Haiti when armed men stormed the small brick clinic where she was working, forcibly taking her and her daughter captive.
Witnesses recounted the terrifying ordeal, with one patient, Lormina Louima, admitting her fear upon seeing a man brandishing a gun. Louima pleaded to be released, clearly terrified by the unfolding situation. Some community members disclosed that the abductors have demanded a staggering $1 million in ransom, following the recurring pattern set by the gangs wreaking havoc in Haiti and instilling fear in the impoverished population.
This heart-wrenching incident comes amid a surge in kidnappings throughout the country, as reported by the local nonprofit Center for Analysis and Research in Human Rights. In response, the U.S. State Department issued a warning advising American citizens to avoid travel to Haiti, even ordering nonemergency personnel to evacuate. Such violence has incensed the Haitian people, who yearn for peace in their nation.
In a powerful display of anger and solidarity, around 200 Haitians took to the streets of the capital on Monday, protesting the kidnapping and the escalating gang violence. Carrying cardboard signs with messages written in Creole, the protesters demanded the release of Alix Dorsainvil, commending her for her valuable community work and calling for an end to the terror inflicted upon vulnerable families.
The nonprofit organization El Roi Haiti, where Dorsainvil’s husband, Sandro Dorsainvil, is the founder, has been at the forefront of providing essential services to lawless areas. However, the insidious violence has forced many similar institutions to shut down, leaving countless families without access to vital services like healthcare and education. The potential closure of El Roi Haiti’s clinic due to this kidnapping raises concerns about the further loss of these crucial services.
While the fate of Alix Dorsainvil and her daughter hangs in the balance, the U.S. State Department remains tight-lipped regarding the abductors’ demands and other pertinent details. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller emphasized that the safety and security of American citizens overseas are of paramount importance, and they are working closely with Haitian authorities and partners to resolve the crisis. However, due to the ongoing nature of the law enforcement investigation, specific information cannot be shared at this time.
Alix Dorsainvil, an alumna of Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts, was deeply moved by the resilience and spirit of the Haitian people following the devastating 2010 earthquake. In a video for the El Roi Haiti website, she expressed her admiration for the Haitian community, characterized by their joy, vitality, and love.
As we eagerly await news of Alix Dorsainvil and her daughter’s safe return, El Roi Haiti has requested prayers for the protection and freedom of their beloved caregiver and her child. This distressing situation only amplifies the urgent need for Haiti to break free from the suffering endured by its citizens on a daily basis.
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Author: Ryan Scott
Just a guy