ALLAN MCLAY – MANGI LAE, WHO SERVED THIS BELOVED NATION WITH PASSION

This afternoon I followed the casket of Late Allan Mclay from the funeral home to his family home at Wagtail street in Lae where he will spend his final night with families and friends. Late Mclay was a true patriotic son of Lae. Someone who committed his life and contributed immensely to Lae’s growth and transformation for more than 60years.

Late Allan Mclay was born on January 16th 1945 in Victoria, is the second of two sons and went to school in Melbourne. In 1960, he volunteered to become a Cadet Patrol Officer – KIAP and came to PNG.

Late Allan Mclay was one of few expatriates that I have come to know who have truly served as the mouthpiece of the people in his capacity as a KIAP and the President of Lae Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

One day in 2016, he told me how appreciative he was about what the media was and had been doing in Lae highlighting issues that are of great concern for everyone in Lae and Morobe. He pointed to the dusty pot-hole ridden Milfordhaven road and told me how important the road is to Papua New Guinea’s economy – the road leads from the second largest port in the Pacific, the Lae Port.

A few years forward and in 2017, the stretch of road from main wharf to Snack Bar was sealed. All thanks to the Mr Mclay who was vocal in pushing for that road to be fixed.

Late Allan Mclay was also instrumental in pushing for the Lae roads rehabilitation program in 2012 of which almost all parts of Lae City now enjoying concrete sealed roads.

He once told me told that there must be no pedestrian crossings 100meters apart in the miles area -  a once notorious area known for car jacking and armed hold-ups. A week later, the contractors working on the new four-lane highway were advised to remove the crossings and only marked one at 5mile and 6mile.

He was instrumental in setting up dialogue between politicians, inter-government agencies, NGOs, the business community together with the people of Lae. He was someone despite his age  and health was more concern about the wellbeing and growth of Lae and the fruition of commerce and industries.

Late Allan Mclay had a lot in store to make Lae a better place, he was passionate in everything he does. He was well supported by a strong woman in wife Nellie, who always stand behind her husband to move agendas that are greater concern and wellbeing of women and children in Lae.

As I quote from Lae MP John Rosso’s statement;

“I have known him and his wife Nellie since High School when his wife was my teacher. His passing will leave a big gap in the business community in Lae as someone who is passionate about commerce and devlopment in the country.”

Late Allan Mclay has been an icon in Lae who has been vocal on everyday issues affecting the lives of businesses and communities in the city. He was proactive in keeping the people of Lae informed on the latest development in the city and also engaging healthy dialogue between the government, business community and the tax payers of Lae.

He has been supportive in restoring Lae back to it’s glory days like how it was when he first came to PNG as a KIAP. He always contributes ideas and guide decisions that will be of the greater benefit of all the people of Lae and the neighbouring towns.

He was just 12 days away from celebrating his 73rd birthday when he passed away on January after being ill for the last three weeks. He leaves behind his beautiful wife Nellie and two chidlren Alister and Kathreen.

Late Allan Mclay will be laid to rest on January 11^th, and I know he would be celebrating in Heaven with all the angels.

Till we meet again on that Golden morning. Rest in Peace Mangi Lae.