Who gets a shot at senior government posts, and how are those decisions made? That question is now being asked inside the Ministry of Transport, where Police Corporal Jhawn Gamboa has been recommended for a vacant senior position. Transport CEO Chester Williams signed the letter supporting Gamboa’s release to pursue the job, but allegations of family connections have quickly turned the matter into a nepotism controversy. Tonight, Gamboa’s father, Superintendent Aaron Gamboa, is rejecting claims that his son is being pushed ahead because of who he knows.
On the Phone: Superintendent Aaron Gamboa, Father
“First of all Jhawn went through the recruit training. Jhawn have a degree, an associate in English and a bachelor’s degree. He is a recruit baton of honor. He beat three or four officer cadet. He came in first in theory and don’t talk about practical because he has that. In my view, Jhawn nuh the buy this. God is blessing him because he do a lot training. He has military training also. But I just believe that if Jhawn apply he went through the interview, the process and made about ninety-six and after that I believe he qualified and God blessed him what a door opening for him.”
Paul Lopez
“So, what about the familial tie between Mr. Williams and your family and the perception that he is getting this opportunity because the families are connected?”
On the Phone: Superintendent Aaron Gamboa
“No Paul, this has nothing to do with connection. Like I said, if this was connected then Jhawn would have been ASP or inspector. When Chester was there as the commissioner, Chester did not give him any kind of rank or anything, regardless of whatever kind of ties they want to say, Chester did not give this man any kind of rank. My son get promoted under Dr. Richard Rosado because he took his exam and passed it.”
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