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Purcell shooting incident not connected to prison break- National Security Council

The National Security Council (NSC) of the Virgin Islands has confirmed that the shooting incident reported in Purcell Estate on October 26, 2025, is not related to the recent prison escape. Photo: Team of Reporters
High-profile prisoner Jose Almestica and John M. Burgos escaped from His Majesty's Prison (HMP) on October 25, 2025, and remain at large. Photo: RVIPF.
High-profile prisoner Jose Almestica and John M. Burgos escaped from His Majesty's Prison (HMP) on October 25, 2025, and remain at large. Photo: RVIPF.
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – The National Security Council (NSC) of the Virgin Islands has confirmed that the shooting incident reported in Purcell Estate on October 26, 2025, is not related to the recent prison escape.

In a press statement condemning the shooting, the council emphasised its strong support for the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) investigation. The public is urged to remain calm, avoid approaching the escapees, and report any information to the police.

NSC convened a special meeting 

The National Security Council (NSC) convened a special meeting on October 27, 2025, chaired by His Excellency the Governor, Mr Daniel Pruce. This meeting was in response to the prison break at His Majesty’s Prison, Balsam Ghut, during which two inmates—José Almestica and John M. Burgos, both residents of the US Virgin Islands—were discovered missing.

During the meeting, the NSC expressed deep concern regarding the escapes. The Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Vincent O. Wheatly; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development, Tasha K. Bertie; and Superintendent of Prisons, Jay Kendall, participated in discussions about the prison outbreak. Both the Superintendent of Prisons and Acting Commissioner of Police, Jacqueline E. Vanterpool, provided updates on the ongoing investigation and search efforts.

Several measures agreed on

Following the meeting, several agreed-upon actions were established to enhance security measures at HM Prison. These included increasing police presence in key areas, improving inter-agency coordination, and intensifying the manhunt for the escaped inmates through close collaboration with regional and international law enforcement partners to ensure their safe recapture.

The council also urged residents to follow the guidance of the RVIPF and take precautionary measures, such as being aware of their surroundings and ensuring that their homes and vehicles are securely locked at all times.

See related article below:

UPDATE: Male sustains ‘multiple gunshot wounds’ in Purcell Estate shooting

12 Responses to “Purcell shooting incident not connected to prison break- National Security Council ”

  • justin (28/10/2025, 09:23) Like (14) Dislike (3) Reply
    pure talk
    tell the people how two criminals escaped the HMP
    If a local was head of HMP all manner of fingers would be pointed at them
    • BRAD BOYNES (28/10/2025, 16:26) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      @ justin, Yes they would have had the local raking all over the dam coal and under the dam bus. The superintendent need to explain this, but then again he answer to the crooked Governor.
    • controversial (29/10/2025, 13:02) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      so the anti crime summit was a waste of time.
  • Cindy (28/10/2025, 09:28) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    How does the NSC knows that
  • A total waste (28/10/2025, 10:30) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    This council is garbage, Those with tbe most talk and power have no experience in security, but act like they know it all, insulting and ignoring the advice and suggestions of the few on there with experience...No wonder our security is hand cuffed and ineffective...
  • These men are gone.. (28/10/2025, 10:41) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Just like those who took out the Cat Eye killa....They broke out with a good plan this time....To me they need to get a good commissioner of Police From the Caribbean allow them to do their Job and put Prison under the Police..Allow the the new commissioner to be the commissioner of Prison and Police...Something different, out of the box..we need change, things can't continue this failing way..
  • #1 (28/10/2025, 12:28) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    The police involved with that jail break and those guys still around here, people who have gun keep them u going to need them
  • First . (28/10/2025, 13:35) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    First they have to start with proper prison uniforms bright orange jumpsuits. 2. No cell phones. 3 no jewelry. 4 a 15 foot height concrete or block wall with 4 feet of coil sharp bob wire on top of it , you can call hon myron to assist in this as he is the wall expert. And last but not least bring some real prison guards who do not know anyone here.
  • TALK US CHEAP (28/10/2025, 21:28) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    HOW DO THESE EXPERTS ARRIVE AT THAT CONCLUSION ❓️???? AND NOT KNOW OF THE WHEREABOUTS OF THESE TWO PROFESIONAL BREAK OUT , ARTISTS / ITS NOT ADDING UP , OR THEY WOULD OF HAD THEM BACK BEHIND BARS , IF THEY REALLY KNEW , OR MAYBE HIGH SCIENCE IS INVOLVED HERE WITH THESE TWO SUPERSTARS / IS THE CARTELS INVOLVED IN THIS , ? IS THIS GONNA BE A BLOODY X-MAS ? / AFTER TALKING TO THE MAN ON THE STREETS ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE
  • I THINK (28/10/2025, 22:32) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    The NSC is a waste of time.
  • Street CI (28/10/2025, 22:46) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    PRISON OFFICERS AND POLICE OFFICERS GOT PAID FOR THE GREAT ESCAPE. BOTH PRISON OFFICERS AND POLICE OFFERS SPLIT THE MONEY AMONGST THEMSELVES. LIKE EVERYTHING ELSE, this will be swept UNDER THE CARPET. DON’T LET THEM FOOL YOU WITH THE BS ABOUT MANHUNT FOR THE ESCAPEES. AGAIN, SOME PRISON OFFICERS AND SOME POLICE OFFICERS WERE PAID TO CARRY THIS OUT.
  • Listen (29/10/2025, 16:49) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    No benefit to the white man letting them go.He on contract and just want go home at night


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