NH Woman And Daughter Reported Kidnapped In Haiti

NEW HAMPSHIRE —A New Hampshire woman who works as a nurse for a nonprofit organization in Haiti and her young daughter were kidnapped Thursday, the organization said in a statement Saturday.

"We can confirm that Alix Dorsainvil, our Director’s wife, and their child were kidnapped on the morning of Thursday, July 27th from our campus near Port au Prince while serving in our community ministry," the nonprofit El Roi Haiti said.

El Roi Haiti described Dorsainvil as "a deeply compassionate and loving person who considers Haiti her home and the Haitian people her friends and family."

"Alix has worked tirelessly as our school and community nurse to bring relief to those who are suffering as she loves and serves the people of Haiti in the name of Jesus," El Roi Haiti's statement continued.

According to the organization's website, children attending the El Roi Academy and Institution Mixte Vwatizang Ayisyen Yo are given a Christian education and a hot meal every day, regardless of their family's capability to afford tuition.

Dorsainvil was invited by her husband, El Roi Haiti Founder and Director Sandro Dorsainvil, to be an onsite nurse for the children attending the academy, according to a video on the organization's website.

The U.S. State Department issued a "do not travel" advisory in Haiti Thursday "due to kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and poor health care infrastructure."

As part of the order, family members of U.S. government employees and non-emergency U.S. government employees have been told to depart the country as soon as possible.

"U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible by commercial or other privately available transportation options, in light of the current security situation and infrastructure challenges," the order continued. "U.S. citizens wishing to depart Port-au-Prince should monitor local news and only do so when considered safe."

Officials said that kidnapping is widespread, and victims regularly include U.S. citizens.

Kidnappers may use sophisticated planning or take advantage of unplanned opportunities, according to officials. Cases often involve ransom negotiations.

U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed and victim’s families have paid thousands of dollars to rescue their family members, officials said.

For more information, visit the U.S. Department of State.