Crime/Police
BVI Prison Orders Internal Investigation After Inmates Escape from Balsam Ghut
His Majesty’s Virgin Islands Prison Service has initiated an internal review into the circumstances surrounding the escape of two prisoners from His Majesty’s Prison, Balsam Ghut, on Saturday evening, Oct. 25.
The inmates, identified as Jose Almestica and John Burgos, both citizens of the United States Virgin Islands, escaped between 6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., according to an official statement issued by the Prison Service on Sunday.
Superintendent of Prisons Jay Kendall confirmed that established emergency protocols were immediately activated after the escape was discovered, and that a full review is now under way.
“The security of the Territory and the protection of the public are our highest priorities,” Kendall said. “A full incident response is underway, supported by the police and partner agencies. We are also conducting an internal review into the circumstances of the escape. The public is urged not to approach these individuals and to report any sightings or information immediately to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.”
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is leading a multi-agency search operation with assistance from regional and international law enforcement partners. Heightened security measures have been implemented at all ports of entry and private docks to prevent the fugitives from leaving the Territory.
Both men are considered armed and dangerous, and members of the public have been urged to remain vigilant. The RVIPF has confirmed that its Marine Unit is conducting patrols across the Territory’s waters, and coordination is ongoing with authorities in the United States Virgin Islands, where both escapees are nationals.
Almestica has a long criminal history and previously escaped custody in 2017 during the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. He evaded capture for several months before being re-arrested in December 2021.
At the time of his latest incarceration, he was serving time for multiple offences, including illegal possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition, and illegal entry. Following his recapture, Almestica was charged with 11 counts of keeping an unlicensed firearm, four counts of keeping a prohibited weapon, one count of carrying an unlicensed firearm, eight counts of unlawful possession of ammunition, and four counts of possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply.
While Burgos was on remand facing a series of serious charges, including conspiracy to murder, and drugs and firearm offences. He was charged in connection with the December 2022 daylight killing of Kadeem Jimenez in East End, Tortola. Burgos appeared virtually before Senior Magistrate Tamia N. Richards on February 23, 2023 and was remanded to prison pending trial.
Authorities have not disclosed how the prisoners managed to flee the facility. The internal review is expected to assess security procedures, staff response, and any potential breaches within the prison’s perimeter or infrastructure.
The Balsam Ghut facility, located in the hills east of Road Town, houses both convicted prisoners and individuals on remand. The last major breach at the prison occurred in 2017, when dozens of inmates escaped during Hurricane Irma.
Residents are strongly advised not to approach Almestica or Burgos if seen and to contact police immediately at 368-9339, dial 311, or call Crimestoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or 284-800-8477 from overseas.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.
Photo: Virgin Islands Platinum News
Police are urgently searching for the driver involved in a dramatic hit-and-run collision that left a female pedestrian injured after she was struck and flung into the air along the Dual Carriage Highway Thursday night.
According to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), the incident occurred shortly after 8:00 p.m. on February 19, 2026, in the vicinity of Delta Gas Station in Pasea Estate.
Preliminary reports indicate that the woman was crossing the eastbound lane of the roadway when she was struck by a vehicle traveling west to east. Although the driver reportedly attempted to brake, the vehicle was unable to avoid impact. The force of the collision sent the pedestrian airborne before she crashed onto the roadway.
In a troubling development, the vehicle did not stop. Instead, the driver fled the scene immediately after the collision, leaving the injured woman lying on the highway.
Emergency Medical Services responded swiftly and transported the victim to Dr. Orlando Smith Hospital for treatment. Her condition remains unknown at this time.
The RVIPF has launched an active investigation into the hit-and-run and is appealing to members of the public who may have witnessed the incident or have information that could help identify the vehicle or driver involved.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS).
Police say further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, working alongside other law enforcement partners, intercepted a vessel and recovered a quantity of illegal narcotics during a joint operation last night, December 8, police said.
In a brief statement, the RVIPF confirmed that the operation resulted in the seizure of the drugs but did not disclose the type or quantity recovered. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing and described it as dynamic, noting that additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Premier Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley criticised Governor Daniel Pruce’s appointment of Richard Ulger as interim acting police commissioner, saying the decision sidestepped the established process and failed to respect the advice of the Police Service Commission.
Speaking during a press conference on Friday, Nov. 21, Wheatley said the Police Service Commission had already submitted a recommendation for a substantive Police Commissioner and that this recommendation is expected to come before the National Security Council soon. The Governor’s decision, he argued, pre-empted that process and created unnecessary tension around a critical public-security appointment.
“In my view, it would have been better to conclude that process before appointing an interim acting commissioner,” Wheatley said. “The Police Service Commission has made a recommendation, and that recommendation should have been allowed to proceed.”
The Premier also noted that Acting Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool was returned to her substantive post of Deputy Commissioner after serving as Commissioner for one year. While acknowledging that Governor Pruce acted within his constitutional authority, Wheatley expressed concern about how the authority was used.
“Though the Governor is within his constitutional rights, I am concerned that the way his discretion has been exercised is not in keeping with the modern partnership that the United Kingdom has committed to,” he said. “The process has been poorly handled and does not reflect transparency, good governance, or sensitivity to the legitimate concerns of the people of the Virgin Islands.”
The decision follows a week of public demonstrations, during which residents peacefully protested what they viewed as political overreach. Wheatley said he and his colleagues in the House of Assembly supported the public’s right to assemble. “Persons exercised their democratic right to assemble and peacefully protest,” he said. “We respected and supported that right.”
Wheatley said he raised his concerns directly with Steven Doughty, the United Kingdom Minister for the Overseas Territories, during a call on Wednesday. He added that he has also been in ongoing dialogue with Governor Bruce through Cabinet and the National Security Council.
The Premier linked the controversy to a broader constitutional conversation in the Territory. “The handling of this matter underscores the importance of negotiating a constitution that provides greater democratic accountability to the people of the Virgin Islands,” he said. “This includes devolving more responsibility to the elected government, including responsibility for internal security.”
Wheatley is scheduled to depart the Territory on Friday for the Joint Ministerial Council meetings in London, which he will co-chair in his capacity as President of the Political Council of UK Overseas Territories. The JMC, hosted by Minister Doughty at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, is the highest-level annual forum for dialogue between Overseas Territory leaders and His Majesty’s Government.
This year’s meeting, he said, “forms part of a broader reset in the relationship between the United Kingdom and the Overseas Territories.” The UK Government is expected to introduce a proposed Charter on Engagement, outlining new principles for transparency, communication, and collaboration. Leaders will also discuss bilateral compacts, long-term frameworks designed to strengthen planning and clarify shared priorities between the UK and participating territories.
Throughout the week, Overseas Territory leaders are scheduled to take part in plenary sessions, technical workshops, and political engagements covering security, development, governance, and economic planning. As Chair of the UK Overseas Territories Association, the Virgin Islands will play a central role in shaping collective positions.
Wheatley said he intends to continue voicing the concerns of Virgin Islanders at every level of discussion. “I will continue to engage in respectful dialogue with the Minister for the Overseas Territories and the Governor as we remain steadfast in defense of the security of the people of the Virgin Islands and their democratic rights,” he said.
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