Law enforcement officials in the Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago have launched an investigation after 56 bodies were discovered abandoned at a cemetery. The majority were children, with 50 infants recovered along with four adult males and two females.

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) stated in a Saturday announcement that at least one adult woman and one adult male showed signs of having undergone a post-mortem examination, and all adults had identification tags similar to those used at morgues. Police said, "Preliminary indications suggest that this may be a case involving the unlawful disposal of unclaimed corpses."

The discovery occurred in the town of Cumuto, approximately 40km from the capital, Port of Spain. After the remains were found at the cemetery, Cumuto police secured the scene and initiated a forensic examination. Specialized units, including homicide experts, have also been deployed to the site.

Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro acknowledged the disturbing nature of the find in a Saturday statement: "The nature of this discovery is deeply troubling, and we understand the emotional impact it will have on families and the wider national community. The TTPS is approaching this matter with urgency, sensitivity, and unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth. Every cadaver must be handled with dignity and lawful care. Any individual or institution found to have violated that duty will be held fully accountable."

Trinidad and Tobago has also struggled with an increase in organized crime in recent years. In December 2024, the country declared a state of emergency to combat gang violence, and while its initial duration was only 15 days, the emergency declaration has largely remained in place since. In March, the country's House of Representatives voted to extend the state of emergency by an additional three months.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar stated at the time that 373 people had been detained under the emergency proclamation, which expanded law enforcement powers to make arrests and enter public and private premises. She said, "I had previously warned the criminal gangs and detainees released from prison that decent law-abiding citizens are fed up with their criminality, and if they cannot behave themselves, I would have no hesitation in having another SoE [state of emergency] declared. If criminals want to terrorize law-abiding citizens and their families, I will do everything legally possible to terrorize criminals and those who aid and abet them."

Since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Trinidad and Tobago has seen a sharp rise in homicide rates. That year, there were about 20 homicides per 100,000 people, but the number increased to 45.7 per 100,000 in 2024, a record high. However, the homicide rate declined in 2025 to approximately 27 per 100,000 people.

Source: www.aljazeera.com