Guido de Marco’s demise has brought with it a unified expression of grief but, at the same time, a sense of pride in one of Malta’s outstanding statesmen who, through his political commitment, contributed significantly to the well-being of our country.
A firm believer in relevance rather than size, Prof. de Marco would never accept any direct or implied reference to our island’s limited dimension. Countries, he used to reiterate, are not to be measured by their size but by their relevance. He repeatedly emphasised it was specifically because of its limited dimension that Malta must strive harder than others to ensure it is not just heard but respectfully listened to.
In what was perhaps his last interview, Prof. de Marco referred to an incident during which he practically lost his temper in reaction to a particular country’s Foreign Minister’s remark expressed in relation to Malta’s application to join the European Union. I was sitting next to him. It was an experience I will never forget. The message conveyed was loud and clear: Malta may have limited dimensions but it must be treated with dignity and respect.
Many a time I was perplexed by the manner in which he used to weave his arguments. I used to think that some specific topic had nothing to do with the main objective of his discussions. Little would I realise that the master stroke was yet to come but, rest assured, that when it did, very limited space, if any, was left for any reaction by the other side.
Many were the experiences I was privileged enough to share with Prof. de Marco, foremost of which remains the trip to Brussels in July 1990 to submit Malta’s application to join the EU. His face was beaming with satisfaction at having initiated a process that would eventually lead to the realisation of a life-long dream.
His earlier disappointment at having seen the temporary disruption of the application process was overcome in 1998 when, immediately following his reappointment as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, he travelled to Vienna to present Malta’s reactivation of its EU application. I have absolutely no doubt that, in April, 2003, Prof. de Marco, who was then President of Malta, was elated to witness the signing of Malta’s Accession Treaty in Greece. His life-long dream, for which he had dedicated so much through his never-say-die attitude mirrored in his “persistenza, insistenza u konsistenza” (persistence, insistence and consistency), had finally been fulfilled.
Given my affinity to Prof, de Marco, it would be remiss of me not to recount a few still unknown instances, which attest to the respect he enjoyed internationally.
I recall that during my tenure as Permanent Representative to the UN in New York I had established contact with the office of the former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. Aware that Prof. de Marco was due to pay an official visit to New York, I asked him whether he would be interested to meet Mr Kissinger. Prof. de Marco, of course, said yes. When I contacted Mr Kissinger’s office I was told he was willing to meet Prof. de Marco but was available for only a few minutes. Eventually, when Mr Kissinger came to my official residence the forecast 15-minute meeting was extensively extended given the most interesting conversation they shared, and enjoyed, and which I was privileged to witness.
It was again during one of Prof. de Marco’s official visits to New York that I organised an official meal at the residence to which I invited the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and the Council’s president.
Under normal circumstances and given their respective commitments, it would not be an easy task to have all five permanent members of the Security Council around the same dining table at the same time.
I am convinced the meal was made possible thanks to the reputation enjoyed by Prof. de Marco, particularly following his successful tenure as president of the United Nations General Assembly. The guests, who included the present Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, Sergey Lavrov, then Permanent Representative in New York, were all impressed by his wide knowledge of international affairs and his deep analysis of complex international issues.
These are just two of the many instances which have never come to light. In fact, having himself realised their omission in the first edition of his book The Politics of Persuasion, Prof. de Marco told me he was determined to ensure their inclusion in subsequent editions.
The impressive presence at his state funeral and the many messages of condolence by so many international leaders and personalities attested to the respect Prof. de Marco enjoyed in Malta and beyond.
Much has been said about his many merits, particularly in the international field. Somehow, this focus on his merits in the international scenario has overshadowed his equally important achievements as minister responsible for home affairs between 1987 and 1990.
Aware of the then prevailing circumstances in the police force, Prof. de Marco lost no time in addressing its re-organisation. This was no easy task. He firmly believed that progress could not be achieved unless the police force was adequately trained. It was this belief that led him to propose the setting up of the Police Academy, which is still playing a key role in the preparation of police officers.
Prof. de Marco further believed that the police had to be sufficiently motivated to embark on a new course, which would make the force more respected and efficient. I assume all members of the police force will never forget his initiative to re-introduce, among others, full pension rights upon completion of 25 years service.
I recall his concern at the absence of a trained unit and the lack of equipment to deal with circumstances that could potentially be tragic with consequential loss of life.
His concern did not take much to be translated into concrete action and the Directorate for Civil Protection, which is giving sterling service to the community, often in very difficult circumstances, was established.
To pay proper tribute to Prof. de Marco for all his political achievements one would have to write much more.
So I will move on to recall the man who was not just a remarkable statesman and a politician who contributed so much for his country, both locally and internationally, but a person who had a big heart – a compassionate heart.
It was difficult to determine which was greater: his intellect or his heart. I, for one, say they were both equally big. I witnessed his grief when informed of the passing away of any of his friends, constituents or acquaintances. I have seen the sorrow all over his face when his close collaborators, Michael Vella and Joe Tonna, passed away. Each time, he felt part of his family had gone.
Notwithstanding the pressures and the tensions, he would never lose his human approach. In realising that he must have upset a colleague or a staff member, he would assure whoever is around him that his frustration was not addressed at anybody in particular but at the developments unfolding. He set up a dedicated and loyal team within his secretariat that was committed to the smooth running of the ministry.
A similar team was set up during Prof. de Marco’s tenure as president of the United Nations General Assembly, a group that worked hard in support of his efforts to fulfil his mission, which he described in detail in his publication A Presidency With A Purpose.
He insisted that the role of the president of the General Assembly was not limited to presiding over meetings but rather to represent it and to generate wider and greater awareness of some of the most vital issues the General Assembly discussed and deliberated upon. This he did successfully on many occasions and, particularly, in his handling of the Kuwait crisis for which the Kuwaitis have remained ever so grateful.
Prof. de Marco was above all a family man. Regardless of his workload and responsibilities, his love for his wife, children and grandchildren always prevailed.
Malta is missing a great man. His family is missing an exceptional husband and a devoted father and grandfather.
A few months ago, I received a phone call from John Mamo who started the conversation telling me he had just met my “elder brother”. I began mentioning my brothers’ names to see which one it was and Prof. Mamo told me: “You have not guessed. It is Guido.”
And that was and remains so true. That is what he was to me. True, he was my minister and later my President but, most of all, he was my “elder brother”. I feel privileged and indeed very proud he too always considered me a brother.
A final note: I subscribe to President Emeritus Eddie Fenech Adami’s final words of tribute to Prof. de Marco, words which I am sure reflected the thoughts of many: Grazzi Guido.
The author is Malta’s Ambassador to Italy.