THIS simple and humble man, most commonly called, Frank, or many often Franky, departed this world, in dignity and peace even after several years of illness and pain.
Frank strongly epitomized his presence in the capital, Victoria, from where he lived for more than 30 years, in his father’s residence, in Revolution Avenue. One will often see him sitting on a chair, facing the road, watching straight at the Central Police Station, admiring and understanding the commotions of Victoria’ busy days. He was famous on this side of the road, as for him this was his 5th Avenue of New York, his Park Lane of London, his Quatre Bornes of Mauritius, his Orchard Road of Singapore, his St Denis of La Réunion. Most often he would bump or meet many similar faces as the likes of Mr Gonsalves Morin, many well known high ranking Police Officers, Bishop French Chang-Him, the Hoareau’s of former Lovenut Fame, a regular visit to Rays Music Room, for newspapers, cards, books, audio cassettes, etc. Often a visit to SMB Meat Corner and Supermarket for shopping and groceries, to the market for some fish, Antigone for books and magazines, to the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception to attend mass, a regular visit to the Post Office indicated a thirst for writing – mail, postcards, correspondence, worldwide contacts, etc. His living room would testify the many people he entertained, talked to during the day.
Frank did it all, lived the challenges almost alone to do most of his things, and sometimes got the help of many good friends. He will wake up to see the Police Station opens at 8:00 o’clock, no need to check the time at midday as he sees this door close on him and opens an hour later, and again as Victoria fades away sees this door close again as 4:00 o’clock – as Victoria slowly starts to fall in to a more quieter and peaceful atmosphere and a change of moods.
Now, this is Frank’s opportunity to venture out a little bit – freshens up, a Barclays Bank cheque book in the pocket, a little amount of cash and off he goes…!
In his early years (1975 onwards) – it would be a quick visit to Olian Cinema, to Maxime Take-Away for a chow mein, the Continental bar or Seaman’s club for a drink after a working day at Richard’s Supermarket. Not to forget also a visit to the popular King Wah restaurant, and as for entertainment the several nightclubs and bars around Victoria. He would also meet several other good people and entertain them.
Later on in the 90’s, he would strode along Revolution Avenue, walking tall and straight even after a few sips, start his evening at the famous Pirates Arms, where his knowledge, ranging from law, business, Seychelles – would be the main conversations of the night, a bit of singing aloud would follow then. After Pirates Arms he would move on to Amusement Centre, where he would continue sharing, entertaining a few friends with drinks, (whisky or beers of course…) counting on Gerald Chang Tak-Hue of Amusement Centre to cash a cheque for him. Then he would request to call a taxi, off he goes either to Beau Vallon Bay or Coral Strand. In the late or early hours he would come down home by a taxi – almost sober, singing along – often the taxi drivers will tell you that they understand very well Frank’s nuisance and his two sides of life – or pop up to spend the rest of the night at his good friend’s place – like a brother to him – Mr William Eulentin of Labourdonnais Street.
Otherwise he would decide between going to Le Marinier of John Desaubin, Le Surmer of Mr Benjamin Choppy, to Mont Fleuri at his late brother’s (Francis) residence or a visit to Glacis to see his sister Anne-Marie.
Indeed the Libra he was, he had two different peculiar way of life – one being extrovert and another being the introvert too. He combined and orchestrated these two talents and characteristics very well and had a good understanding of his life, what he wants, his liberty and freedom and very alert as to what was happening around him.
Frank indeed faced a long, difficult challenge of the Revolution for more than 30 years… straight right up in Revolution Avenue. He saw and lived this revolution every single day from the date of 5th June 1977 to 11th February 2008. He lived it the way he wanted most of the time – often he felt many hardship and difficulties, but with heads high and with great respect and dignity, he lived up to that challenge! A brave and courageous man indeed in his own right!
It is important also to note that Frank passed away exactly 25 years after his brother Francis – ‘Babi’ made his way to heaven in April 1983, some 30 years after his mother Evelyne and other brothers – Thomas, Billy – and some 35 years after the famous singer his brother Mickey. It is right therefore to put him to rest in the tomb of his two brothers – Mickey and Thomas.
His surviving family members are his brother – former President James Mancham and Anne-Marie. He also left behind some sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews – also a lot of good friends and good memories. Indeed it is true and touching to say that time and tide wait for no man…
…I am on my way…
Contributed – A local Frank Sinatra
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