A COOL and pleasant afternoon at Neira Bay some 66 years ago. A group of boys was busy swimming in a region known as a place where the sun makes port calls. Des Alwi, only 8 years old at the time, was among those shirtless boys who were enjoying the warm Neira ocean water.

Their frolicking was suddenly interrupted by a shout from a port official, shooing them away from the pier. It signaled the arrival of a boat. Des and friends hurriedly