Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1517228
who allegedly committed a murder on January 1 this year, should not be in possession of firearms because of his mental condition." Court-appointed psychiatrist Joseph Cassar even testified that he had found a note in Azzopar- di's medical records – dating back to 2012– which "conclud- ed that [Azzopardi's ownership of three shotguns] was a public danger". This concern was promptly conveyed to the police, in no uncertain terms, by psychiatrist David Mamo: who wrote that "he felt duty-bound to bring this to the attention of the po- lice; and that since Azzopardi had mental health issues, he believed that his possession of firearms was a danger to the public." In other words, the police have known about Noel Azzopar- di's mental condition, since at least 2012. Separately, they also know – from their own records – that Azzopardi has been in possession of a firearm licence since 2003; and that, by the time of the murder, he had actually become the owner of no fewer than SIX (6) shotguns, all li- censed to his name (with access to another three, licensed to his father)… On top of all that, the police also knew that Azzopardi had successfully renewed his fire- arms licence at least once, since 2003: and that was in 2016 (i.e., four years AFTER they had been officially alerted to the 'pubic danger' he has represented, for all that time)… So, erm… can anyone out there explain why the police took no action whatsoever, regarding this 'public danger' that they had been so bluntly warned about all those years ago? Why did they not strip Noel Azzopardi of his fire- arm's licence (as they were duty-bound to do, given the official nature of the 2012 no- tification)? Why did they not confiscate even a single shot- gun, from his entire personal armoury, in all that time? And why did they have to wait until someone actually got 'gunned down' in the street, in broad daylight… before conducting a raid on his residence, to seize all the guns they already knew he possessed? Above all, however: why did the police actually RENEW Azzopardi's licence, in defi- ance of that earlier warning? (Not to mention, approve his multiple applications to own even MORE 'licensed fire- arms', than the three that had caused so much alarm, to be- gin with?) I mean… sorry, but the Malta Police Force's handling of this case makes even the 'wildest' of Wild West myths look rather tame, by comparison. For what- ever you make of the Earps' actions in Tombstone, back in 1881… they were – officially, at least – 'trying to enforce local gun-control laws'. In Malta, on the other hand? Leaving aside that our gun-con- trol laws are themselves shot full of 'bullet-holes', to begin with…. there doesn't seem to any actual attempt at 'enforce- ment', of any kind whatsoever. Almost makes you wonder, doesn't it, which is actually the 'wilder', and more 'lawless', of the two scenarios… EARLIER this week I had the priv- ilege of being the student orator at my graduation ceremony. The ex- perience of addressing my peers was an occasion for me to reflect on how graduate education is very similar to a unique journey I will soon embark upon as I attempt to trek to the base camp of Mount Everest. As I gird myself for this adven- ture, I cannot help but draw par- allels between the preparation in- volved in climbing a mountain and the challenges we – as graduates – have faced in earning our degrees. Our academic journey, much like gearing up for a mountain climb, began with a vision – a distant peak that initially appeared insur- mountable. The decision to pursue postgraduate education became our base camp – a starting point demanding careful planning, de- termination, and the courage to face the unknown. Equipped with curiosity, dedication, and a thirst for knowledge, we set forth on an expedition that would test our lim- its and redefine our capabilities. Our studies, much like ascend- ing a mountain, were not without their fair share of obstacles. In completing our rigorous course- work, demanding assignments and stressful exams, we encountered steep slopes and rough terrain, challenges that at times pushed us to our intellectual limits. There were moments when the path seemed treacherous, when self-doubt threatened to become an avalanche. Yet, like seasoned climbers, we pressed on, driven by a shared passion for learning and a steadfast belief in our ability to overcome any stumbling block. In our ascent, collaboration and camaraderie became as indispen- sable as our climbing gear, allow- ing us to navigate the more diffi- cult stretches when the blizzards seemed to overwhelm us. Just as mountain climbers rely on each other for support, we leaned on our peers, professors, and mentors for guidance and encouragement. The bonds forged during group projects and late-night study ses- sions became the ropes that kept us tethered together, ensuring that no one was left behind on this for- midable ascent. As we climbed to greater aca- demic heights, the atmosphere grew thinner as we persevered in mastering the mounting com- plexities of our studies. Amidst the thinning air, we encountered moments that tested not only our intellectual acumen but also our resilience. The journey for some of us was marked by ordeals that compelled us to delve into the depths of our mental well-being, forcing us to confront and endure mental health struggles. Yet, despite the thinning air and the weight of these difficulties, we swung our axe and struck deeper, and pushed on. This ascent was a reminder that our academic jour- ney was not just about conquering intellectual peaks but also about trekking through the valleys of mental health, demonstrating our fortitude and determination to persist in the face of adversity. On our graduation day, we stood at the summit – a breathtaking vista that made the entire climb worthwhile. It was a testament to our perseverance, dedication, and the belief that education is not just a destination but a transforma- tive journey. We stood there not only as graduates but as individ- uals who have weathered storms, crossed crevasses, and assailed the ridges of postgraduate research. Some graduates, like me, might have pursued their studies lat- er in life, defying the notion that academic feats become too over- whelming once you are of a certain age. But on our graduation, we were reminded that the mountain we had just climbed was only one in a range of peaks waiting to be conquered. Education is not a solitary pin- nacle but rather a stepping stone to new heights, new challenges, and new opportunities. Just like mountaineers forever yearning for the next peak to conquer, as grad- uates we must continue to seek knowledge, embrace challenges, and strive for excellence in all our future endeavors. I share an adaptation of the in- spiring words of novelist Jack Ker- ouac, which capture this exhilarat- ing journey: "Great things are not accomplished by those who yield to trends and fads and popular opinion… Climb that mountain!" maltatoday | SUNDAY • 10 MARCH 2024 OPINION 11 Nicole Falzon was awarded a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics and TESOL. This is an adaptation of her oration at the graduation ceremony. Graduate education and mountain climbing Nicole Falzon