A major manhunt is underway in the British Virgin Islands after two inmates — both citizens of the United States Virgin Islands — escaped from His Majesty’s Prison in Balsam Ghut on Saturday night.

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has confirmed that the fugitives, identified as Jose Almestica and John Burgos, were discovered missing shortly after 9:00 p.m. on October 25, prompting an immediate search across the Territory.

Authorities have not yet disclosed how the men escaped or the circumstances surrounding their disappearance. Police say an internal investigation is now underway, alongside a coordinated search effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies.

The RVIPF has urged the public to assist in locating Almestica and Burgos but has warned residents not to approach either man if seen. Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to contact police on 368-9339, dial 311, or report anonymously through Crimestoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS).

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.

Renewed Concerns Over Prison Security

Saturday’s incident has reignited public concern about security at His Majesty’s Prison, which has long faced criticism over staffing shortages and structural vulnerabilities.

The facility, located in the hills of Balsam Ghut, houses both long-term inmates and remanded prisoners awaiting trial. The territory’s last major prison break was in 2017, when more than 100 inmates escaped amid the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma.

All those prisoners were later recaptured following a joint operation involving the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, the Cayman Islands Police Service, and British Royal Marines.

Police have confirmed that further details about the latest escape will be released as the investigation continues.