5 mths after prisoners escaped, Superintendent still on job, but 2 locals sent on leave!
According to a police statement, inmates Jose Almestica and John M. Burgos were discovered missing shortly after 9:00 PM on the said date. An investigative team led by United Kingdom (UK) personnel were to investigate the prison escape; however, to date, a report has not been made public.
However, thus far, two local officers have been sent on leave in relation to the escape of the prisoners; however, the UK Superintendent of Prisons, Mr Jay Kendall, is still on the job. Usually in these matters, the buck will stop with the Head of the Department.
Many residents and social activists are now questioning the legitimacy of the investigation, with Mr Kendall, a UK national, still on the job. Recently, the two officers who were sent on leave were temporarily reassigned to Government Departments- one to the Department of Motor Vehicles and the other to the Facilities Management Unit. It is unclear when the results of the investigation will be made public.
Jose Almestica
Almestica, of the US Virgin Islands, was recaptured on December 7, 2021, after escaping prison following the passage of Hurricane Irma in September 2017.
He was in prison for alleged illegal possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition and illegal entry before his escape in 2017
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.
John M. Burgos
Burgos, also of the US Virgin Islands, had been slapped with a series of charges, including Conspiracy to Murder, drug and firearm charges. He was remanded to prison when he appeared virtually before Senior Magistrate Tamia N. Richards on February 23, 2023.
He was charged in relation to the December 12, 2022, daylight murder of Kadeem Jimenez in East End.
Our news centre will follow up with both Governor Daniel Pruce, who is responsible for HMP’s security, Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), who is responsible for prison administration and Superintendent Kendall on any updated information.
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28 Responses to “5 mths after prisoners escaped, Superintendent still on job, but 2 locals sent on leave!”
The likelihood is that the DPP will fail to secure a conviction so they keep them locked up before the trial rather than after the trial.
You forget to report that Almestica was convicted for those charges or most of them.. Why was he housed in general population? The superintendent manages housing of Inmates.
Ultimate Accountability rest with the Superintendent as the head of the prison.A high-profile escape is often seen as a fundamental failure of that mandate, requiring the leader to take responsibility.
It's all because of the two officers who are suspended and should be under investigation until the cause of the escape is found. In the BVI, it's not news that people in custody escape, whether they're immigrants or criminals; money talks.
We as black survivors according to the Bible, but how we don't get it that the Whiteman will always see we the blacks are inferior to him as Trump Hegset said "this wasn't meant to be a fair fight, we hitting you even when you are on your knees." We in the VI just won't understand we going keep on kissing their A&%ES, but not FK* me ah tell ahyou.
Why bash the superintendent?
The responsibility for securing the prisoners during the day is the prison officers and their immediate supervisors.
The prison officers are responsible for lockdown on evenings and ensuring that the tally is correct
Irma was since 2017 and look it at government complex.........
Water going off from 6pm from I was 7 years old and and we win 2026 same issues maybe even worst now
Potholes....?