As the CHOGM celebrations come to a close, the Prime Minister has announced a grand reward for our hardworking public servants: two extra days off, this Friday and Monday. 

It’s a touching gesture, really, giving back to those who poured their hearts and souls into what many have now called "the best CHOGM ever." 

And here in the private sector, we can only stand back, clap politely, and marvel at the excellence displayed by the public service.

Social media is awash with praise and pats on the back from public servants thanking each other. 

The rest of us can only admire the sheer dedication, the energy, the selflessness of those who, day in and day out, made CHOGM the success it was. 

Some might even say that the private sector, in comparison, was rather pointless. Because from the very start, it was clear: public servants had this under control.

From setting up the venues to organising transport, from managing catering to making sure villages looked perfect for our visitors – the public service took charge and left nothing to chance. 

And let’s not forget the heavy toll taken by attending endless conferences, dancing, singing, and performing with enjoyment at every ceremony. Clearly, all this hard work deserves some well-earned rest.

Let’s also tip our hats to those who “slaved away” on the ocean cruise liner moored at the wharf. It must have been tough for public servants to resist indulging in the rooms and services on board, given their oh-so-demanding schedules. Truly, a sacrifice worthy of applause.

Meanwhile, our friends in cafes, restaurants, and shops are surely left wondering what they missed. How could they have possibly contributed to such a grand event? It’s almost as if only those in public service were equipped to make CHOGM happen.

So in the spirit of thanks from the government to itself, this reward is a touching reminder of just how appreciated their work is, thanks to the generosity of taxpayers from every corner of Samoa.

As for whether the $40 million price tag was worth it? Not to worry – we can measure CHOGM’s “success” once our public servants return from their well-deserved holiday.

But for now, considering they’ve taken CHOGM to such dazzling new heights—with two extra days off to celebrate—maybe there’s room for just one tiny request: could someone, perhaps, locate our national anthem?