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