Trinidad and Tobago’s Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro says perpetrators responsible for the improper handling of human remains will be held accountable, following the discovery of 56 bodies at the Cumuto Cemetery on April 19.

In an audio statement after the discovery, Guevarro described the situation, which occurred in northeastern, Trinidad, as deeply troubling and acknowledged the emotional impact it is likely to have on families and the wider public.

“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 (The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service) 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,” he said.

In a statement, TTPS said officers from the Cumuto Police Station responded to information and secured the scene, after which Crime Scene Investigators conducted a detailed forensic examination.

Police said a the bodies comprised of 50 infants, four adult males and two adult females. 

One of the adult males and one of the females showed signs of having undergone prior post-mortem examinations.

All adult remains, with the exception of one male, were found bearing identification tags.

Preliminary findings suggest the matter may involve the unlawful disposal of unclaimed corpses, although investigations remain ongoing.

Specialised units, including the Homicide Bureau and officers of the Northern Division, are continuing investigations as police work to determine the origin of the remains and whether any laws or procedures were breached.

Meanwhile, the Trinidad Express reported that two men detained in connection with the discovery were employed with a funeral home in Arima.

According to the report, the men, aged 18 and 25, told investigators they had been hired to dig a grave for a pauper’s funeral.

The TTPS is urging anyone with information to come forward as the probe continues.