Transport CEO Chester Williams is rejecting allegations that he helped Police Corporal Jhawn Gamboa secure a senior post inside the Ministry of Transport. Williams told News Five today that Gamboa is qualified for the position but insists he played no role in the application or hiring process. He says that responsibility rested with Chief Transport Officer Leon Gentle, who oversaw the interviews and selection process. Gentle also responded to the controversy, as questions continue over whether the recommendation was based on merit or connections.
Chester Williams
Chester Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Transport
“Mr. Gamboa, from my knowledge is a very educated person. He is a go getter. He is a Bachelors degree in English. He also has an associated degree. He is also a Corporal in the Belize Police Department and an instructor at the academy here. He has also done extensive training with the military so he is a PTI, a certified PTI and other training courses. Again, I am not going to delve too much into the application process, that is for CTO to discuss because he is the one who sits on panel. I know we have a number of vacancies and my instructions to the AO was ensure we publish the vacancies for people to apply. The vacancy was published, applicants applied and I instructed the CTO and the AO to put together an interview panel to interview every applicant. They did that and I now yield to him to explain that process.”
Reporter
“But did you have anything to do with him working for the ministry?”
Chester Williams
“No, like I said the CTO will explain the process.”
Leon Gentle
Leon Gentle, Chief Transport Officer, Ministry of Transport
“All members of the department were given an opportunity to apply for the different positions we are looking for. We had opened interviews for transport officers in the different district. We also opened positions for Assistant Chief Transport Officer, which would be a regional commander for our department in looking at different zones to makes sure they carry out their functions under that mandate. Jhawn Gamboa was one of those applicants. There were two applicants and we have through those applications, gone through the interview process and we believe he is one of those applicants fit for the position.”
The Ministry of Transport is waiting for a response from the Ministry of Public Service.
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