An Oklahoma-based missionary group called Missions in Haiti, founded in 2000, operates a school, two churches, and a children’s home in the Bon Repos neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Controlled by local gangs, the organization’s compound was attacked by two different groups of gang members on a Thursday night. The attack resulted in the deaths of two Americans, David and Natalie Lloyd, and the organization’s Haitian director, Jude Montis. David Lloyd Jr. recounts how his son, Davy, was ambushed by gang members, tied up, beaten, and had the organization’s vehicles stolen. Another group of gang members arrived, escalating the situation as they attacked the victims while they were holed up in the compound. Communication via satellite internet revealed the dire circumstances that led to the deaths of the three individuals.
The victims, including the Lloyds and Montis, devoted themselves to the mission’s work in Haiti. Born and raised in Haiti, Davy Lloyd would often tell people that his entire life revolved around helping the Haitian people. Despite a recent gang assault on the city and the closure of the airport, the Lloyds chose to remain in Port-au-Prince, showcasing their dedication to the mission work they believed in. Despite the recent crisis and escalating gang violence in Haiti since February, the Lloyds continued to stay and work, reflecting their passion for helping others in need. The older Lloyd shared that even gang members respected their work and efforts to aid the community, leading them to feel relatively safe in the area.
Haiti has experienced widespread gang violence since February, with several gangs uniting against the government. The resulting chaos forced the prime minister, Ariel Henry, to resign, while hospitals, government buildings, and police stations were attacked. The crisis led to the release of thousands of prisoners and the appointment of a transitional council to manage the government. The United States is coordinating an international effort to deploy police and soldiers to combat the gangs. Since President Jovenel Moïse’s assassination in 2021, gang-related violence has soared, with thousands of deaths and injuries reported. Despite the escalating situation, the localized nature of the violence made the Lloyds and Montis believe their work was valuable and respected by gang leaders.
In a separate incident in October 2021, 17 Christian Aid Ministries missionaries, predominantly Americans, were kidnapped by a gang in Haiti before being released or escaping. The United States has offered a bounty for the capture of gang leaders involved in such attacks. In yet another incident in February, three nuns were kidnapped from a Catholic orphanage in Port-au-Prince but were later released unharmed without a ransom being paid. The ongoing violence and instability in Haiti have prompted international responses and efforts to address the root causes of gang activity in the country. The U.S. State Department has expressed condolences to the families of the victims and stands ready to offer consular assistance to U.S. citizens affected by the violence in Haiti.
The story of the Lloyds and Montis highlights the dangers faced by individuals working in Haiti, particularly in gang-controlled areas like Bon Repos. The risks associated with mission work in such volatile environments underscore the need for heightened security measures and international support to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers and local communities. The tragic loss of lives in this incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by those dedicated to providing assistance and support in conflict-prone regions like Haiti. The impact of these attacks on humanitarian organizations, their staff, and the communities they serve underscores the urgency of addressing the underlying issues contributing to violence and instability in Haiti.
