Manhunt After Prisoners Escape HM Prison
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has launched an island-wide manhunt after two inmates, Jose Almestica and John Burgos, escaped from His Majesty’s Prison in Balsam Ghut late on Saturday, October 25. Residents are urged not to approach the men and to report any sightings to police immediately.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) launched an island-wide manhunt after two inmates, Jose Almestica and John Burgos, were discovered missing from His Majesty’s Prison shortly after 9 p.m. on Saturday, October 25. According to a police statement, an active search is underway across the territory and members of the public are being urged to report any sightings without attempting to approach the escapees.
Authorities provided the following contact numbers: 368-9339, 311, and Crimestoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS). Police have not yet disclosed how the two men left the facility or whether staff shortages, structural weaknesses, or other factors played a part. The prison, located in Balsam Ghut, houses both long-term convicted prisoners and remanded detainees; concerns about the facility’s infrastructure and staffing have been raised previously by residents and officials.
Almestica is a high-profile escapee with a prior history in the territory. He escaped custody in 2017 and evaded arrest for months before being recaptured in 2018. In July 2025 a jury in the High Court found him guilty on multiple counts, including possession of cannabis and cocaine with intent to supply, possession of prohibited and unlicensed firearms, and unlawful possession of explosives.
Police say this is the second time Almestica has fled custody in the British Virgin Islands. Less information is publicly available about John Burgos; the RVIPF has confirmed his name and inclusion in the search but has not released further details about his charges or background.
Residents are reminded these are active policing operations and further updates will be released as information becomes available. The escape has renewed public concern about security at His Majesty’s Prison and prompted calls for a review of procedures and resources at the facility.
Local leaders and community groups are likely to press for answers on how two inmates could be unaccounted for and what immediate steps will be taken to ensure public safety. For now, police ask the public to remain vigilant, to avoid confronting either individual, and to immediately contact the RVIPF or Crimestoppers with any information that may assist the ongoing operation.
The RVIPF has indicated investigations into the circumstances of the escape are ongoing.
Primary source: BVI News