The Valletta Migration Summit has come and gone but the real outcome, if any, will take months to emerge. The migration problem is as complex as it is limitless. I believe Malta did really well, as the summit gave us positive international exposure.

However, I do wish to mention some points that perhaps may be avoided during the forthcoming Commonwealth meeting.

Upon the arrival of the dignitaries at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, an over-zealous official literally stood out by waving his hands frantically to direct the driver each and every time a VIP car arrived. He looked like a plane marshaller on an aircraft carrier during catapult take-offs. A sense of serenity must prevail at such important events.

I happened to be driving to the airport when I was overtaken by two rented cars driven by policemen escorting a foreign participant. They were driving like crazy and breaking all the rules in the book. I am told that police drivers may ignore the rules but common sense tells me that this should be restricted to exceptions like chasing suspects and in emergencies. Otherwise they should set a much-needed good example.

I could not but note that two African leaders travelled to Malta on luxury Boeing business jets, which cost $80-$100m. I find this very ironic and utterly disturbing.

Before the billions of euros pledged by the EU to help Africa develop are dished out, African leaders must be encouraged to review their priorities, especially when it comes to spending money on such luxury items.