Guido: A life of vision, clear as crystal

President Emeritus Guido de Marco is purported to have said, on his last day, that he “planned to live life with a purpose”. One wonders what the purpose could have been. It can never mean, or be taken to mean, any deviation from his past, long triggered for years: in the social sphere of life; in his private and family set-up; in the profession, notably in matters relating to criminal law or in his political innings here and abroad.

For there is no doubt Prof. de Marco’s life was not dictated by opportunity or one occasioned by chance. It was a life of vision couched in well-cut intent very early in life and clear as crystal. Endowed with a great humanity, he won a place in the heart of everyone who knew him, with a natural charisma that won over most people. He leaves a beautiful family, bred after the aristocratic Italian manner.

He was equally remarkable in his profession. A lawyer at 23, he was an instant attraction to the public and later a first rate defence lawyer in criminal trials. In about 15 cases of his, I happened to be a juror or a foreman of the jury. Persuasion was not political here but effective all the same. The accused were all acquitted.

That he took University life seriously is amply shown by the fact that he never failed an examination. His interest in politics emerged early and it showed a notable keenness in international affairs – he was given full marks in the International Law examinations, a record still unequalled in the subject, I am told.

I remember him making it loud and clear to all around that the destiny of Malta lay in “some New Europe or United States of Europe”. This was at a time when such talk was absolutely unthinkable and the remarkable point here is that he said this very often and with notable zeal. In fact, it made one think that somehow he was already feeling responsibility for its achievement and implementation. Clearly the seed was germinating.

The road was long and arduous but his efforts and determination blessed his destiny; blessed him with the finest moment of his life when he presented Malta’s application to join the Union in July, 1990. This point, then, must be accentuated; that the dawning of what eventually became the European Union and our part in it, was already a clear picture in his mind when he was still a university student.

Upon reflection one feels that the European players on the stage today are late arrivals and comparatively novel to the idea of the European Union. Prof. de Marco’s grandeur in political stature lies exactly here, in the titanic force that he threw into the inception and accomplishments of his dream. Surely even because of this reality alone he must ever stand at the very forefront of the immortals in the Malta story.

Some points which show his early stand and purpose come to mind. Prof. de Marco’s sudden resignation from the Attorney General’s office was prompted by theunwavering love for politics and his European ideal. It surprised many and made his father a very worried man. It was taken for granted that in a few years at the Palace, Prof. de Marco would have been elevated to the judiciary and also made Chief Justice, so this move was absolutely unexpected; but it was also absolutely true to himself. His heart was elsewhere.

Prof. de Marco’s participation in the Tal-Barrani episode is as eloquent as it is picturesque. It also shows his mettle. It carried a hint of the Garibaldi spirit on a national scale, showing that even violence of an unknown degree would not deter his spirit and resolution. Lovers of law and order were quite a match for the unruly sector when it came to the point.

Also remarkable was his ability to continue and carry on regardless in precarious health for years. It was common knowledge that his last years involved suffering and he won the admiration of all by remaining undeterred.

His glow will linger. The sun has set but it leaves a warmth in the heart of all who knew him; of all who were fortunate in having crossed his path, in whatever way it was, as it does in mine.

He takes with him the love and gratitude of a nation. The sands are still, the palm is won. The drums of adversity, the days of violence, the pangs of ill health and suffering, and the fever and the fret, all fade away and Prof. de Marco now goes tranquilly to his reward with glory in God’s embrace.