CANDID Security Limited opened its newly constructed corporate offices in Freeport demonstrating its success and growth over the past 19 years in Grand Bahama.

The security company started by former police officer Cleveland Duncombe has significantly grown from a dozen employees to about 200.

Friends, family, and well wishers, including Minister for Grand Bahama Dr. Michael Darville and Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce President Kevin Seymour attended the official opening on Friday at Polaris Drive.

Dr. Darville commended the Duncombe family on their achievement.

“This is a perfect success story that many young people and people in the community can emulate. I am proud of the accomplishments of the Duncombe family. I salute you,” he said.

Mr. Duncombe came from humble beginnings in Andros and relocated to Grand Bahama, where he joined the Royal Bahamas Police Force. After completing 10 years on the force, he decided to start a security firm. His sister Marcia Duncombe, came on as a business partner and serves as vice-president.

The company provides commercial and private security, alarm response, and armoured car services, and executive protection. It is one of the largest security firms on the island.

The company has been a good corporate citizen, giving back to the community and also providing mentoring and scholarships to deserving students in Andros.

Mr. Duncombe, president and CEO, is known for his business ethics and professionalism and in 2008 was named Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce’s businessman of the year. The company has branched outside of Freeport, to Abaco and New Providence.

Mr. Seymour noted that Candid Security has grown from a small staff of 13, with one principal client in 1997, to now servicing over 45 clients and a staff of approximately 200 individuals, with offices on two other islands.

“Candid’s steady growth is mainly attributable to the provision of high quality and efficient security services steeped in a culture of ethics and integrity. As a chartered accountant, I am keenly aware of the critical role the security services firms, such as Candid play, in the overall system of internal control for private companies operating on Grand Bahama island, and indeed the Bahamas. “Specifically, Candid is a trusted fiduciary, charged with ensuring that its clients’ assets are properly safeguarded, reducing the possibility of theft, misappropriation and/or embezzlement,” he said.

“Given the importance and sensitivity of its role, as a fiduciary, it is therefore necessary for Candid and other security firms, to ensure that its employees are properly and continuously trained and are of unswerving integrity as millions of dollars, literally, may be at stake.”

Dr. Darville commended Mr. Duncombe for the excellent service he provides.

“There is always competition in business, but excellence and service is what separates the sheep from the goats. Your growth clearly indicates that you are operating in the spirit of excellence,” he said.

He also said that Mr. Duncombe serves as an example to other Bahamians with dreams of becoming a successful entrepreneur.

“This story speaks for itself - a hard working young man from humble beginnings coming to the island of Grand Bahama, having a great dream and vision, executing the dream and the vision for entrepreneurship, and capitalising on the opportunities that existed, and the rest is history,” he said.

Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Emrick Seymour praised Mr. Duncombe on his success.

“Mr. Duncombe was a very hard working, dedicated and conscientious police officer who no doubt would have been elevated throughout the ranks of the RBPF had he stayed. We are here today witnessing the opening of this beautiful, state of the art corporate office for the company - this is a success story. We extend congratulations to Mr. Duncombe and his team on this remarkable accomplishment.”

Mr. Duncombe thanked his associates and his staff. He also recognised 10 employees who have provided 10 or more years of service.

By Denise Maycock, Tribune Freeport Reporter

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