Prison Orders Internal Review After Two Inmates
Two inmates, Jose Almestica and John M. Burgos, escaped His Majesty’s Prison, Balsam Ghut, on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 25, triggering a territory-wide manhunt and an internal review by the prison service. Government and police officials — including Minister Vincent O. Wheatley, Superintendent Jay Kendall and Acting Commissioner Jacqueline E. Vanterpool — have urged public vigilance as multi-agency searches continue and a National Security Council meeting is convened to coordinate the response.
Two inmates escaped from His Majesty’s Prison (HMP) in Balsam Ghut on the evening of Saturday, October 25, prompting an immediate territory-wide search and an internal review by the prison service. Prison staff discovered that Jose Almestica and John Burgos were not in their cells shortly after 9:00 p.m., and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) launched search operations without delay, according to a prison service statement reported by JTV.
The prison service said the men are believed to have fled the facility sometime between about 6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Superintendent of Prisons Jay Kendall told reporters that established emergency protocols were activated once the absence was discovered and that a full internal review is now under way to assess security procedures, staff response and any potential breaches in the perimeter or infrastructure (JTV). "The security of the Territory and the protection of the public are our highest priorities," Kendall said in the statement.
Governor Daniel Pruce said he was very concerned by the escape and confirmed he is in contact with relevant agencies; he announced plans to convene the National Security Council (NSC) on Monday to review the circumstances and co-ordinate the Territory’s response (JTV). Wheatley issued a statement saying he was aware of the incident and stressing that the safety and security of the public and those in custody are of utmost importance (VINO).
Wheatley said he had been in close consultation with Governor Pruce and Superintendent Kendall and was assured that a thorough investigation is under way to determine the circumstances of the escape and ensure the recapture of those involved. VINO identified the two escapees as Jose Almestica, 37, and John M.
Burgos, 27, and reported that both are citizens of the United States Virgin Islands. Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool described the RVIPF-led operation as an "intense and comprehensive manhunt" carried out in collaboration with local, regional and international partners; the USVI Police Department (VIPD) has also been engaged, VINO said.
Authorities have described Almestica and Burgos as armed and dangerous and have urged the public not to approach them if seen. The RVIPF has implemented heightened security at all ports of entry and private docks, is conducting Marine Unit patrols across territorial waters, and is coordinating with USVI authorities to prevent the fugitives from leaving the region (JTV/VINO).
Residents are urged to be vigilant: secure homes and vehicles, supervise children, be cautious of unfamiliar persons or vehicles at night, and report suspicious activity to the RVIPF rather than attempting to intervene. Anyone with information is asked to contact the RVIPF at 368-9339 or 311, or to call Crimestoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or 284-800-8477 from overseas (JTV/VINO).
The prison service’s internal review and police enquiries are ongoing. Further details are expected following the NSC meeting and as investigators work to determine how the escape occurred and to bring the escapees back into custody.
Primary source: JTV