HMP head should be placed on leave after prison break — Rymer

Kye Rymer

Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer has called for the Superintendent of His Majesty’s Prison (HMP) to be placed on leave as the territory investigates the recent escape of two dangerous inmates.

Rymer urged that accountability was needed as authorities continue the manhunt for convicted offenders Jose Almestica and John Burgos, who escaped from HMP in Balsam Ghut on 25 October. “And regarding the security and the prison, I too support that the situation should be where the superintendent should be on administrative leave as we go through the internal processes and the external processes of understanding what took place there,” Rymer stated.

The escape triggered heightened security operations across the territory. According to police updates, Almestica and Burgos are considered dangerous, and the RIVPF suspended leave to support the search. Police also recovered illegal firearms during intensified patrols following the breakout.

Governor Daniel Pruce addressed the escape during a live press conference earlier this month. He confirmed that both internal and external investigations were underway.

“The superintendent has commissioned his own internal investigation,” he said. Pruce added that the UK Ministry of Justice would support a separate independent review, stating, “I have commissioned a full independent external investigation into the circumstances that led to the escape of Jose Almestica and John Burgos.”

Pruce said the authorities were working to keep the public safe as the fugitives remained at large. “We should all stay calm. We should continue to go about our daily business. But in so doing, of course, we take the usual sensible measures for our own security,” he urged. He also reminded the public to avoid approaching the escapees and to report any sightings to police or Crime Stoppers.

The governor defended the broader security response following questions about rising crime levels. “Across the board, all agencies that can contribute to the security and the safety of the islands are working hard to achieve that,” he explained. He rejected claims that the situation was out of control, saying the territory faced evolving challenges but remained focused on coordinated action.

The escape renewed public criticism of conditions at the prison. Concerns have been reported about surveillance blind spots, ageing infrastructure and staffing shortages at HMP. Pruce confirmed that security upgrades had been underway, including improvements to CCTV coverage and communication systems for prison officers.

As the manhunt for Almestica and Burgos continues, authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and provide any information that may help officers track the escapees.