The Malta CHOGM has come and gone. Generally, it was a success and worth some of the millions spent on organising it.

But will we ever learn to improve our organisational abilities when it comes to little things that mean a lot? This certainly does not boil downto engaging more officials in every capacity. It is quality that we need to improve and not the manpower quantity.

Having said this, let me mention a few organisational imperfections I, as anyone with an eye for detail, can only refer to as irritating and embarrassing. I only watched the proceedings on TV.

I disliked the show of ‘power’ demonstrated by a number of officials trying to keep in check other officials, cameramen, media persons, etc. by frantically gesticulating to them to move on and out of the way. Maybe they were conscious of the cameras focused on them.

During the visit to Bighi the Queen had to unveil a plaque. She did so but to her obvious embarrassment not one of the officials looking on stepped forward to take the veil from her. She looked around and decided to drop the cloth to the ground.

A few minutes later a gentleman came forward to present to Her Majesty a rather bulky box containing three volumes of some publication. Rather heavy, I thought, for the 89-year-old monarchto handle.

She looked around for someone to take the box from her. Was anyone of the many officials prompt enough with the courtesy of coming forward to relieve the Queen of her burden? No way.

At that point I thought the Queen would do with the box what she did with the veil and place it on the floor. But she didn’t because she is a dignified person and knows what manners are about.

Another incident which did irritate the Queen, who made it quite obvious, was when delivering her short address to the dignitaries present. Someone decided that at that very moment it was necessary for a helicopter to hover overhead with the resultant din making the Queen’s voice almost inaudible. Security is needed, but not at the expense of disrespect for a special guest.

The three facts I mentioned show lack of chivalry and ‘gentlemanly’ disposition.

I would, in passing, suggest the engagement of an expert couturier and a professional protocol adviser for such high-powered occasions. It is necessary to obviate mistakes of protocol and show more professionalism in future. No doubt, other readers noticed other flaws in our organisational capabilities.