Propped on his knees was a book on euthanasia. He explained to me that this was what he wanted - a quick, easy end to a long, active life.

What the dissidents say

Lagu was rushed to the local shop where he was provided with a shirt and a pair of shorts, but no shoes, and sent off on the four-day journey towards his first regular education. It was nine months before he came home for the holidays.

How The Island newspaper was born is a story by itself. But what followed was the most fascinating job I had been involved with, at a crucial period in the nation's history.

I was determined that my father should not get away with his action and I gradually turned my younger brothers and sisters against him and his second wife.

I found relationships with girls difficult and withdrew into myself. My life became whatever was before my nose - and that was chess.