Yesterday afternoon, as I sat with my two boys in the Lutheran Memorial Church, it finally dawned on me that our country had truly lost one of its nation builders. I was among a large group of people who had gathered at this Lutheran Chapel in Madang town to witness the funeral mass for the late Major (Retired) Francis Malikes Molean. He was born on 8th September 1947 and had died in 19th August 2024. He had resided in Madang for 33 years but he was M'Buke island in Manus. He really did live a full life with challenges, triumph, sacrifices and great victories.
He was around 17 or 18 years of age doing his studies at the Kerevat National High when the Australian Navy came for recruitment. He jumped at the opportunity and never looked back. Over the years I have been told of his exploits and quite amazed that he sought little recognition for his achievements. I mean how many Papua New Guineans can say that they have sailed the famous Sydney to Hobart Race or took part in the Vietnam War when he was with the Australian Navy? He was also a President of the then Sopmu Malai Bay in the Manus Provincial Government system, a lecturer at the PNG Maritime College, captained the Madang Resort's star vessels such as the Melanesian Discoverer.
If ever any young Manusian wanted to look for inspiration to succeed, they neednt look far. Francis Molean was such a strong character and overcomer. His impeccable record in the PNG and Australian Navy still stand strong and his role in community development, academia and government are greatly respected and admired among many Manusians and Papua New Guineans.
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