As increased measures have been implemented to continue the manhunt for the two escaped prisoners, Governor Daniel Pruce has announced that he will commission a full, independent, external investigation into the circumstances that led to the escape of Jose Almestica, 37, and John M. Burgos, 27, who broke out of His Majesty's Prison (HMP) in Balsam Ghut on October 25, 2025. Photo: Facebook

Superintendent of His Majesty’s Prison Mr Jay Kendall, right, seen here with fellow UK National Governor Daniel Pruce, remains on the job despite the recent prison break Photo: GIS/File

Many are now wondering if this investigation will be like the review against former Police Commissioner and UK national Mark Collins, left, after some 55 damning allegations were brought against him, including by his own officers, in late 2023. Right is Governor Daniel Pruce. Photo: RVIPF/Facebook

Many believe that heads should roll since two high-profile prisoners, now considered armed and dangerous, have managed to escape His Majesty's Prison. Added to that, it is the second time the notorious Almestica has escaped from HMP. Photo: RVIPF/File

The Governor, who has come under pressure from the public and local journalists following the prison break, made the statement during a press conference on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

"I’m able to confirm this morning that, alongside the local internal investigations into this matter with the support of the Ministry of Justice, I have commissioned a full independent, external investigation into the circumstances that led to the escape of Jose Almestica and John M. Burgos."

Escapees still on the run 

Based on all reports, these two prison escapees are still believed to be hiding out in the Virgin Islands (VI).

According to an article by Virgin Islands News Online on November 2, 2025, the Acting Commissioner of Police, Jacqueline E. Vanterpool stated that since her last update, investigators within the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force have been working around the clock to advance the investigations into this matter and discover any leads and, to this date, there have been no indication that the fugitives have left the Virgin Islands.

According to the Governor, the external investigation will be “conducted by an outside body”, and the Ministry of Justice in the UK is helping him to "identify the people" who will take the investigations forward.

Prison boss 'still on the job'

The Superintendent of Prisons is a UK national, Mr Jay Kendall.

Many are now wondering if this investigation will be like the review against former Police Commissioner and UK national Mark Collins after some 55 damning allegations were brought against him, including by his own officers, in late 2023.

Some of the scathing complaints against Mr Collins stemmed from leaked emails in which he requested senior ranks of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) to destroy certain evidence relevant to a matter involving a now-retired officer.

Mr Collins, who remained on the job while the review was being conducted, was then let off scot-free following the independent review initiated by the Governor’s Office and conducted by the Commissioner of Police of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, Mr Kurt Walton.

"Yes, Superintendent Kendall is still on the job," Governor Pruce responded when asked for a second time by a reporter today.

Many believe that heads should roll since two high-profile prisoners, now considered armed and dangerous, have managed to escape His Majesty's Prison. Added to that, it is the second time the notorious Almestica has escaped from HMP.

There are also reports that some surveillance cameras at the prison were not working at the time of the escape.