Media Center

Press Release


Statement of OAS Secretary General on the Death of a PADF Employee

  May 17, 2010

Statement of OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza informing of the kidnapping and death of an employee of the OAS Pan American Development Foundation (PADF):

"I am deeply saddened to confirm the tragic death of an employee of the OAS Pan American Development Foundation who was kidnapped along with a PADF consultant while driving in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Monday, May 10th. While the consultant was released unharmed on Friday, May 14, 2010, the driver was found dead the next day.

"The employee in question was a Haitian national who had worked for the PADF for over four years. He was loved and respected by all who knew him. His name is being withheld while the authorities complete their investigations on the case.

"Our hearts go out to the family and friends of our fallen colleague. I am confident that he would wish for the PADF to continue its important work in Haiti."

Secretary General Insulza is also Chairman of the PADF.

Reference: E-185/10