Public safety & security top priority following prison break- Hon Vincent O. Wheatley
Jose Almestica, 37, and John M. Burgos, 27, both citizens of the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), escaped His Majesty's Prison (HMP) in Balsam Ghut on the evening of Saturday, October 25, 2025.
Hon Wheatley, in a statement on Sunday, October 26, 2025, said he is aware of the incident.
Safety & security of utmost importance
“The safety and security of the public, as well as those in custody, are of utmost importance,” Hon Wheatley said.
He added that he had been in close consultation with Governor Daniel Pruce and the Superintendent of Prisons, Mr Jay Kendall.
“I am assured that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the escape and to ensure the recapture of the individuals involved. The Prison Administration, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, is working diligently to apprehend the escapees.”
Mr Kendall shared the minister's view that the safety and security of the public are the highest priority.
"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," he said in an October 26, 2025, statement.
The Office of the Governor and the Ministry for Health and Social Development share responsibility for His Majesty's Prison.
RVIPF leading intense search
Meanwhile, Acting Commissioner of Police Ms Jacqueline E. Vanterpool said the RVIPF is leading an intense and comprehensive manhunt in collaboration with local and international agencies.
The RVIPF’s sole intention, she said, is to find the escapees and return them to custody as swiftly as possible.
The VI Police Department (VIPD), in the USVI, has also been engaged and is actively taking the necessary steps to ensure agencies within the jurisdiction are on alert.
“I wish to urge the public to be aware of the situation and remain vigilant of their surroundings. Residents are also encouraged not to approach these individuals,” Hon Wheatley added in his statement.
Members of the public are encouraged to contact the police immediately if they see any of the escaped prisoners at 368-9339, 311, or Crimestoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or 284-800-8477 from overseas.
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9 Responses to “Public safety & security top priority following prison break- Hon Vincent O. Wheatley ”
Its like they all dissapeared
A. The public will never get an update and this will disappear from the headlines
B. Would love to see notes on the common understanding of "working diligently" - pretty vague and likely just a lot of notetaking, which will wind up in a drawer somewhere
C. Full incident response, i.e., finding someone else to blame for people running a government horribly
It's just the usual rhetoric when processes and systems that are written down in an air conditioned office are set in stone with the theoretical and hypothetical accuracy go completely untested.
The safety and security are NOT the highest priority - period. #naturesdirtylittlesecrets
“I am assured that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the escape and to ensure the recapture of the individuals involved. The Prison Administration, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, is working diligently to apprehend the escapees.”
Mr Kendall shared the minister's view that the safety and security of the public are the highest priority.
"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," he said in an October 26, 2025, statement.
“The safety and security of the public, as well as those in custody, are of utmost importance,” Hon Wheatley said.
YOU ONLY NOW REALIZING THIS? U ARE SO FULL OF C@c@..DAM UNK TOM BOOT LICKER. Talk about the lies you deliberately tell the last and present governor about the last superintendent. The safety and the security of people is an everyday priority. Stop playing with people.