Superintendent of Prisons, Mr Jay Kendall, is still on the job after the escape of prisoners Jose Almestica and John M. Burgos in October 2025. Photo: GIS

High-profile prisoner Jose Almestica and John M. Burgos escaped from His Majesty's Prison (HMP) on October 25, 2025. Photo: RVIPF.

Governor Daniel Pruce (left) is responsible for His Majesty’s Prison’s security, while Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) (right) is responsible for prison administration. Photo: Government of Dominica

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.