PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — Trinidad Police say they have recovered a handwritten note and a bottle of herbicide at the home of local government councillor Romona Victor, who was found dead along with her husband Rodney Ramsumair on Sunday.

The authorities said that they had also recovered two cellphones and an Apple iPad, and autopsies are expected to be performed this week to confirm the cause of death.

The bodies of the 36-year-old member of the ruling United National Congress (UNC) and her 45-year-old husband were found at their home in Siparia, a town in southern Trinidad.

Opposition Leader, Pennelope Beckles, in a statement, said death, grief, and the scourge of domestic violence transcend political affiliation and that her thoughts and prayers are with the families, loved ones, and colleagues of the deceased.

“From all reports, Councillor Victor…served her community over the past several years with great commitment. In this moment of deep loss, politics holds no relevance,” Beckles said.

“We are not PNM (People’s National Movement) or UNC. Death, grief, and the scourge of domestic violence transcend political affiliation. We are human beings united in sorrow. Compassion must be our only compass. Humanity and empathy must guide our response, for tragedy does not recognise party, ethnic, religious, or geographical lines. We therefore mourn together as a nation,” she said.

Beckles said the incident is made even more poignant as the world prepares to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls on Tuesday, and that domestic and gender-based violence remains an urgent crisis within our society.

“We must also confront the difficult reality that silence enables abuse. Too often, persons who are aware of violence seek to protect the abuser, whether out of fear, loyalty, cultural norms, or misplaced shame. This silence costs lives. Every citizen has a responsibility to protect the vulnerable and to report incidents of abuse. Intervention can save a life,” she said.

Earlier, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said “anyone facing quiet struggles” should feel supported, encouraged, and safe to come forward “without fear or hesitation.

“This tragedy reminds us of how complex and fragile personal circumstances can be. It also reinforces the importance of reaching out for help, and of ensuring that anyone facing quiet struggles feels supported, encouraged, and safe to come forward without fear or hesitation.

May Romona’s soul rest in peace, and may her legacy of service, compassion, and community upliftment continue to inspire us all,” Persad-Bissessar said.

Police said that the bodies were discovered by a relative on Sunday afternoon when he went to their home. He told police that he had called out to the couple and when there was no answer he gained entry to the house and found the couple on a bed, unresponsive.

Police said that there were no visible signs of violence on their bodies upon initial examination and that the couple had one child.

“Today, we pause to honour the life and legacy of Councillor Romona Victor for Siparia East/San Francique South, a truly dedicated and hardworking servant of the Siparia Borough Corporation,” Siparia Mayor, Doodnath Mayhroo, posted condolences to his social media page.

“She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, leadership, and service that continues to inspire us all,” he said.