Police probe desecration of graves

ACTING Deputy Commissioner of Police Mc Donald Jacob said the desecration of graves seems to be a "developing phenomenon" where criminal gangs are trying to establish their "trademark."

Speaking with Sunday Newsday, Jacob said based on his information it seems to be gangs in TT seeking to establish themselves like the "Shower Posse" of Jamaica where he said they ensure that they fire a certain number of bullets during their attacks.

Jacob made the comment in relation to the second instance where a grave was dug up in two weeks and the bodies set on fire.

For the second time in two weeks, police have to investigate the desecration of a grave after vandals dug it up and lit the body alight..

Sterling Raymond, and Kevin “Chappy” Edwards, who were killed by police on March 17, were buried on Friday and both men were placed in glass cases which stood upright for their funeral service.

Edwards, 32, prior to his killing, was reportedly “at war” with a man from Enterprise, Chaguanas and police suspect this disagreement went beyond the grave prompting the desecration of his grave at Longdenville Public Cemetery. A video of the incident was circulated on social media and the matter was raised at the Prime Minister press conference on Saturday.

Commenting on the issue during the Prime Minister's covid19 media briefing, National Security Minister Stuart Young said: "An investigation has started and they are awaiting the funeral agency to provide information."

The video showed someone throwing shredded paper on the body before setting it ablaze and recording that too.

On March 12, the grave of Jaron “Kiteman” Calliste was dug up and his coffin set ablaze as well and also recorded and shared on social media. Calliste was shot dead on February 26 in Tacarigua.

Under the Burial Grounds Act, it is unlawful to destroy or damage a grave, headstone or any monument to the dead. Chapter 16 of the Act states: “Every person who opens a grave without permission of the Chief Executive Officer or Keeper, or who having obtained such permission neglects or refuses to pay the fees above specified, is guilty of an infringement of these Regulations and liable to a fine not exceeding seventy-five dollars.”