UK Expert Arrives to Probe Balsam Ghut
An expert in prison security from the UK has arrived in the British Virgin Islands to investigate the October 25 escape of two inmates from His Majesty’s Prison, Balsam Ghut. The independent review, commissioned by Governor Daniel Pruce on November 4, has begun and is expected to take about two weeks to complete; authorities say the probe will be thorough and impartial.
Two inmates — Jose Almestica, 37, and John M. Burgos, 27 — escaped from His Majesty’s Prison (HMP) in Balsam Ghut on 25 October 2025, and were discovered missing by prison staff sometime after 9:00 PM that night. Their disappearance prompted immediate operational responses from prison officials and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), which continue efforts to locate the men and have urged members of the public with information to contact police.
Governor Daniel Pruce commissioned a full, independent external investigation into the circumstances of the escape on 4 November, the governor’s office confirmed to Guavaberry. The aim, the governor said, was to bring outside expertise and impartial oversight to identify what went wrong and to recommend steps to strengthen custodial security.
Archer Jr. later confirmed the Ministry of Justice in the UK had identified an expert in prison security and risk management to undertake the review (VINO). According to Guavaberry, the expert has now arrived in the Virgin Islands and has begun work on the investigation. The identity of the specialist has not been disclosed. "The investigation...will be thorough and impartial and will ensure that we identify what went wrong and take the necessary steps to strengthen security," Acting Governor Archer said, adding that the work is expected to be completed in about two weeks (VINO; Guavaberry).
The review is expected to examine perimeter security, staffing levels and rostering, surveillance systems, prisoner movement procedures, training and adherence to policy. It will likely also assess intelligence and communication between correctional services and the police and may recommend operational and legislative changes where needed to shore up custodial standards and public safety.
Residents have raised concerns about community safety and the effectiveness of current security measures at HMP Balsam Ghut, which holds both remand and convicted inmates. The escape has highlighted the potential implications for policing, corrections policy and public confidence, and officials say they will provide further public updates when the investigation concludes and when any recommended changes or disciplinary measures are identified.
Separately, Guavaberry reports that the last update from then Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool indicated there was intelligence suggesting that neither escapee appeared to have left the Territory. The RVIPF continues search operations and appeals to anyone with information to come forward.
The government says it remains committed to transparency and to strengthening prison security. Residents can expect further information as the external expert completes the review and authorities outline any steps they will take in response to the findings.
Primary source: VINO