Nichols, assistant secretary at the State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, said on a conference call that the US government plans to send experts to train the Haitian National Police SWAT team. The gang’s leader had threatened to kill the hostages unless his demands were met.Īlso Friday, a meeting including representatives of 14 countries, various international organizations, and Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry produced broad commitments to address security and the political and economic situation in the impoverished Caribbean nation, according to a top US diplomat.īrian A. Troyer said CAM workers were aware of dangers in Haiti, where gang activity and kidnappings have been on the rise.īut the organization often works in such perilous places precisely because “that is usually where the biggest needs are,” he added.ĬAM hopes to continue working in Haiti, Troyer said, while acknowledging that it will need to bolster security protocols and “better instruct our people about the dangers involved.”Īuthorities have said 400 Mawozo was demanding $1 million per person in ransom, although it wasn’t clear if that included the children. “Unfortunately, they did not have a Bible, but they recited Bible verses by memory among themselves,” he said. The hostages remained together as a group throughout, he said, in prayer, in song, and encouraging each other. “This song became a favorite of theirs, and they sang it many times throughout their days of captivity.” “As they became aware of what was happening at the time of capture, the group began singing the chorus, ‘The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them,’” Troyer said, quoting from Psalm 34. “Thank you for understanding our desire to pursue nonviolent approaches," he added, without elaboration. Troyer did not comment on the circumstances of the release, such as whether ransom was paid or a rescue effort was involved, but expressed thanks to “the US government and all others who assisted in the safe return of our hostages.” The last releases came two months to the day after the group of 16 Americans and one Canadian-including five children-were kidnapped by the 400 Mawozo gang, which initially demanded millions of dollars in ransom. “Everyone including the 10-month-old baby, the 3-year-old boy, and the 6-year-old boy seem to be doing reasonably well,” Troyer said. 20): The missionary hostages made a daring escape overnight, instead of being released after a paid ransom, according to new details from Christian Aid Ministries.Īll the former hostages from a US-based missionary group kidnapped in Haiti have been flown out of the country after a two-month ordeal, the leader of their Ohio-based missions organization said Friday, as he also extended an offer of forgiveness to their captors.ĭavid Troyer, general director of Christian Aid Ministries, said in a video statement that a US-flagged plane left the Caribbean nation Thursday afternoon carrying the last 12 kidnapped missionaries, hours after they were freed earlier in the day.
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