An inquiry has been initiated following the discovery of the bodies of over 50 infants and six adults that were abandoned in a cemetery.
Authorities in Trinidad and Tobago reported that 56 bodies, predominantly infants, were uncovered at a cemetery in the country over the weekend. The Caribbean nation, consisting of two islands, has been grappling with a rise in criminal activities, including lethal gang conflicts, leading to the extension of a state of emergency.
The distressing find took place at the cemetery in Cumuto, located approximately 40km east of the capital city, Port of Spain, on the island of Trinidad.
Law enforcement disclosed that out of the 56 bodies, 50 were of infants, while the rest belonged to four men and two women. Five of the adults had identification tags typically used in morgues, and a man and a woman displayed signs of having undergone autopsies. Authorities did not confirm if any of the bodies had been positively identified.
Police are actively investigating the origin of the human remains and any potential violations of laws or protocols associated with the incident.
Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro emphasized the importance of treating every cadaver with respect and adherence to legal procedures. He warned that any person or organization found neglecting this responsibility would face consequences. Initial investigations suggest a possible scenario of the “unlawful disposal of unclaimed corpses.”
Since the declaration of a state of emergency on March 2, the United States State Department has released multiple travel advisories for Trinidad and Tobago, citing concerns over crime and an increased terrorism risk.
Despite a significant drop in violent crime in Trinidad and Tobago since 2024, following enhanced security measures during previous states of emergency, the advisory highlighted that crime remains a persistent challenge across the nation.
