NSC meets today over prison escape! Int’l agencies to join search
A meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) is being held today following the escape of Jose Almestica and John Burgos from His Majesty’s Prison at Balsam Ghut.
Almestica and Burgos were discovered missing from the facility shortly after 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, triggering what police described as a “territory-wide search.” Authorities have warned that both men should be considered dangerous and urged residents not to approach them.
The escape has prompted an island-wide manhunt led by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), with support from other security agencies. Officials have also confirmed that international assistance is being sought to help locate and recapture the fugitives.
Governor Daniel Pruce confirmed that today’s NSC meeting would bring together senior officials to assess the security situation and coordinate the response.
“I am very concerned by [Saturday’s] escape of Jose Almestica and John Burgos from HM Prison Balsam Ghut,” Pruce stated in a Facebook post.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool said authorities are conducting an “intense and comprehensive manhunt” in collaboration with local and international agencies.
“We are leading an intense and comprehensive manhunt in collaboration with local and international agencies with the sole intention of finding these individuals and returning them to custody as swiftly as possible,” Vanterpool said.
“We are working to systematically restrict their movement within and out of the Territory. Our priority is the protection of the community and the safe apprehension of the escapees. Residents should remain aware of their surroundings and report anything of concern,” she added.
Vanterpool said the RVIPF has strengthened security measures at all ports of entry, private docks, and other possible departure points.
“Vehicle checkpoints, roadblock operations and mobile patrols continue,” she stated, confirming that these measures will be expanded as necessary. “Motorists are asked to adhere to all instructions and guidance provided by officers on site.”
Almestica was convicted earlier this year of several firearm and drug-related offences and was awaiting sentencing. Burgos was being held on remand for offences including conspiracy to murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
Residents are again being reminded to avoid contact with either man.
“Residents are strongly advised not to approach either individual, but to contact Police immediately at 368-9339, 311 or Crimestoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS),” the RVIPF stated.
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Both appearing on stage at the next Natalio concert.
I guess the crime summit didn’t work
It did but not for the intended targets…it was like an episode of Beyond Scared Straight for the kids!
A black will be blamed
Always so negative. I spoke to a few young persons who attended the summit and believed me it worked . The impact on those young people was tremendous. Some are already lost but those who we can save . We will.
Which idiot would remain in talk tola after they escape prison for such crimes…
Territory wide search lol
When half the territory love to hide criminals
Wen most woman and young girl would do for their gun man and bad man only to end up a side dish with STDs or unmarried or end as a single mother
When the half the territory and especially the young adults who push the new culture that glorify criminal life, drugs,gang,sex, hate for law enforcement and songs about drugs sex and gang violence
This the same territory that was singing on the festival ground and jueve shouting “she luv gunman” gunman in she hole, or she luv bad man” them same territory that had a artist come in for festival and big up a well known criminal who called himself killa not once but 2x lol are we serious?
The same territory that got kids coming to school smoking, bringing drugs and sex drugs that they can’t get without an adult into the schools. But wen the school point it out and inform the parents the parents cuss out the school. Don’t worry them same reckless kids going come back bite everyone in the backside
Keep endorse nonsense
You got minors on scooters no licence. No insurance, no job, but somehow got a scooter and driving reckless to with no helmet with young girl on the back . Young wild dum and free
I’ve seen you post the same thing 3 times on vino and BVI news and now a 4th a bit different.. We get it.. You think women are responsible for hiding all the criminals.. No man is involved apparently… Good for you but Its pretty weird when you go copying the same thing like that over and over.. Very involved and It seems quite personal as they were saying on the last post on vino…I’m guessing that’s why you switched this post up a bit to include some guys… We get it Dude..Good Job…Good analysis.. You can rest now…
Check St Croix
Who’s portfolio is the prison? and is it the governor’s?
“Almestica was convicted earlier this year of several firearm and drug-related offences and was awaiting sentencing. Burgos was being held on remand for offences including conspiracy to murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm”
Since when you house a convicted person with a remanded person? SOMEONE HAVE TO ANSWER TO THAT GOVERNOR N CORRUPT MINISTER. DID THE SUPERINTENDENT ALLOWED THIS?