56 Bodies Found Abandoned at Trinidad and Tobago Cemetery

Trinidad and Tobago police are investigating the discovery of at least 56 bodies, including 50 infants, found abandoned at a cemetery in the town of Cumuto, approximately 40 kilometers east of the capital Port of Spain. The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service stated that preliminary indications suggest this may involve the unlawful disposal of unclaimed corpses. Five of the six adult bodies recovered had identification tags similar to those used in morgues, and two of the adults showed signs of having undergone post-mortem examinations. Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro described the discovery as deeply troubling and said the force is approaching the matter with urgency, sensitivity, and unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth, adding that any individual or institution found to have violated the duty to handle remains with dignity and lawful care will be held fully accountable. The Caribbean nation, which consists of two islands located about 10 kilometers off the coast of Venezuela and is home to 1.5 million people, has been grappling with a surge in violent crime in recent years. Trinidad and Tobago registered 623 murders in 2024, representing a homicide rate of 45.7 per 100,000 people, which was a record high, though the rate has since declined to approximately 27 per 100,000 in 2025. The country declared a state of emergency in December 2024 to combat gang violence, and the measure was extended by three months in March following a vote in the House of Representatives. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar stated that 373 people had been detained under the emergency proclamation, which expanded law enforcement powers to make arrests and enter premises. The US State Department has issued travel advisories for the country, citing crime and a heightened risk of terrorism, though it noted that violent crime has dropped significantly since 2024 due to security efforts.