Editor: On Wednesday 1 May 2024, a few of my friends and I decided to spend the public holiday at one of our favourite beaches in the country - Buccament Bay. For years, my friends and I have passed hours laughing and catching up while floating on the pristine waters or lying on the soft sand at Buccament. For approximately seven months (August 2023- March 2024), we were understandably deprived.