The Gamboa Question

Questions over possible nepotism have emerged following the Ministry of Transport’s recommendation that Police Corporal Jhawn Gamboa be released from the Belize Police Department to take up a senior position within the ministry.

The controversy centres on a recommendation letter signed by Transport Chief Executive Officer Chester Williams. This has attracted criticism over whether Gamboa’s candidacy was based strictly on merit or influenced by his family’s relationship with the CEO.

Gamboa’s father, Superintendent Aaron Gamboa, rejected claims that his son’s application received preferential treatment. According to the senior police officer, his son met all the qualifications required for the post and advanced through the recruitment process on his own merits. He said Jhawn Gamboa completed police recruit training; graduated as the Recruit Baton of Honour; holds an associate degree in English and a bachelor’s degree; and has also received military training. He added that Gamboa reportedly scored ninety-six per cent during the interview process.

Superintendent Gamboa argued that his son’s record demonstrates that his career progression has been based on performance rather than personal connections.

He also dismissed suggestions that Chester Williams used his influence to advance his son’s career, noting that Williams served as commissioner of police for years without promoting Jhawn Gamboa. Instead, he said his son’s promotion to corporal came under Commissioner Dr Richard Rosado after successfully completing the required promotional examinations.