Royal Virgin Islands Police

Police Information Office - Press Release
Wednesday 3rd June 2026

𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗣𝗙 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗗 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗢 𝗖𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗘𝗦𝗖𝗔𝗣𝗘𝗗 𝗙𝗨𝗚𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗦 - The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is offering a reward of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for information leading to the successful capture and arrest of two escaped fugitives, Jose Almestica and John Burgos, both residents of the United States Virgin Islands.

The two men unlawfully escaped from His Majesty’s Prison, Balsam Ghut, Tortola, on 25th October 2025 and have since evaded law enforcement. They remain at large and are actively being sought.
At the time of their escape, Jose Almestica was serving a sentence of six (6) years for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. He had also been found guilty by a nine-member jury in October 2025 for four (4) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm, one (1) count of Possession of a Prohibited Firearm, three (3) counts of Unlawful Possession of Explosives and two (2) counts of Possession of a Controlled Drug with Intent to Supply. He was awaiting sentencing for these offences.

Additionally, Almestica is awaiting trial in relation to the 2021 murder of Deverson Williams at Fish Bay, Tortola. He is further wanted by authorities in the United States Virgin Islands for serious offences, including First-degree Murder, Second-degree Murder, and Assault.

John Burgos was remanded to His Majesty’s Prison, Balsam Ghut, on charges relating to fi****ms, ammunition, and drug possession. He is also wanted for questioning by the United States Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) in connection with a 2023 murder investigation.

Both men are considered armed and extremely dangerous. Members of the public are strongly advised not to approach either individual under any circumstances.

The RVIPF is urging anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of these fugitives to come forward. Persons can contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9512 or provide information anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or 284-800-8477 from overseas.

The safety of our communities remains a top priority. As long as these fugitives remain at large, there is an ongoing risk to public safety. Even the smallest piece of information could prove critical in locating and apprehending these individuals.

Connection, Conversation, and Community were at the heart of the RVIPF Community Policing Unit’s recent engagement initiative held in East End on Friday 29th May.

Officers and community members came together for an evening of positive interaction and open dialogue to strengthen relationships between the Police and the public.

During the event, Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool and Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Kenrick Davis highlighted the importance of community policing, public trust, and partnership in crime prevention and building safer communities.

The Community Policing Unit extends sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the initiative. Special thanks to Mr. A. Chalwell of Frozen Imports, RiteWay Food Markets, Digicel BVI, Acting Sergeant Tashema Smith-Ramprashad, Chief Inspector Israel Sergeant, Inspector Beverly James, Angelica Chalwell, and Chef Dora for their generous support and valuable contributions.

Gratitude is also extended to all officers, volunteers, supporters, and behind-the-scenes contributors whose dedication helped make the event a success.

Together, we continue building trust, partnership, and safer communities.

𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐄𝐍𝐃 𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐋𝐘 - The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force wishes to inform the public that the East End Police Station will be temporarily closed effective Friday 29th May 2026, for an initial period of one month.

The closure is necessary to facilitate ongoing interior renovation works, which require staff to vacate the building while the upgrades are carried out.

The RVIPF wishes to reassure residents of the East End community that policing services will remain fully operational throughout this period. Officers will continue regular patrols within the district to ensure the continued safety and security of residents.

Members of the public requiring police assistance may contact officers directly at 368-9415 for immediate response to reports.

The RVIPF apologises for any inconvenience this temporary closure may cause and thanks the public for its patience and understanding as these improvement works are undertaken.

The RVIPF Community Policing Unit is pleased to partner with Green VI and other stakeholders for the World Environmental Day 2026 Roadside Community Cleanup.

📅 Friday, June 5, 2026
🕘 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement

Community service hours available.

See flyer for more details.

Police Information Office - Press Release
Thursday 28th May 2026

𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐑 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐅𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐌-𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓 - Officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force are investigating a report received of a domestic-related incident on Tuesday 26th May 2026.

As part of ongoing investigations, a Police Constable was arrested for questioning and has since been interdicted from duty pending the outcome of the investigation. As the officer has not yet been charged, his identity is being withheld.

The RVIPF continues investigations into the matter. Further updates will be provided as necessary.

Acting Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool wishes to assure the public of the RVIPF’s commitment to the investigation and prosecution of any malfeasance committed by its members or any other member of the public service.

𝐖𝐄’𝐑𝐄 𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆!

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is currently accepting applications from suitably qualified persons for the posts of:

▪️ Police Constable
Application Deadline: 29th May 2026

▪️ Police Constable – Anti-Corruption Investigation
Application Deadline: 5th June 2026

If you are passionate about serving your community, maintaining law and order, and making a positive impact across the Virgin Islands, we encourage you to apply.

For more information and to submit your application, visit:
https://gov.vg/service-details/government-employment-opportunities

On Friday 22nd May 2026, thirty-five middle-management supervisors from across the Caribbean successfully completed the twelve-week Staff and Junior Command Course conducted at the National Police College of Jamaica.

Among the graduates were Inspectors Andy Lawrence and Jean Avril of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, who participated alongside officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.

This years' course was held under the theme “Leadership with Heart: Driving Positive Change,” and focused on enhancing leadership capacity, strengthening strategic decision-making, and promoting professional growth among supervisory officers within the region’s law enforcement agencies.

Through the intensive twelve-week programme, participants were equipped with the knowledge, leadership skills, and strategic mindset necessary to strengthen policing efforts and contribute positively to their respective organisations and communities.

The RVIPF congratulates Inspectors Lawrence and Avril on this achievement and commends their continued commitment to professional development and service excellence.