Reflection on My First Day Back at Work – Lessons in Project Risk and Management

By Ivory waki / Solvoice
Today marked my return to work after the festive season and the beginning of 2026. I did not expect the day to bring such an eye-opening experience — one that made me smile, reflect, and learn. I was confronted by five frustrated workers from the appointed contractor for the JCPU Administration Building project. One of the workers had just been released from temporary detention at the police station after the contractor reported them. You can imagine the emotional state of someone who had just come out of detention — stressed, confused, and upset. I took time to talk with them and quickly noticed several failures in the current project management that contributed to this situation. I believe these setbacks are rooted in the early stages of the project, particularly in the following areas: 1. Procurement system of the project 2. Planning phase, including costing and scheduling 3. Lack of written agreements between the main contractor and subcontractors 4. Incompetence and poor leadershi...
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A Simple Lunch, A Beautiful Connection

By Ivory waki / Solvoice

Morning Fruits and Small Blessings

My day started quietly with fruits for breakfast — and again for lunch. Lately, I’ve developed a habit of eating fruits throughout the day. Even though fruits in Honiara can be quite expensive, I consider myself lucky and blessed.

I live with my older brother, who is also fond of eating healthy. He always makes sure our home has a colourful variety of fruits available. His support makes this habit easier to maintain, and it’s something I truly appreciate.

Morning Breakfast with Fruits


An Unexpected Lunch Invitation

At work, I wasn’t expecting anything special for lunch. But one of my colleagues convinced another to sponsor a meal, which felt a little embarrassing at first — though sharing like this is very normal in Solomon Islands culture.

When I was called into the conference room, I found fish and chips with freshly prepared melon neatly laid out on the table. Slowly, more colleagues joined us, each walking in with a smile or a joke, until the room felt full and lively.
Laughter, Food, and Feeling at Home

We shared the food freely, teased one another, cracked jokes, and laughed in that natural, unfiltered way that only happens when people are comfortable. It was such a simple moment, yet it felt special — as if we were one big family instead of just workmates.

These spontaneous moments of connection remind me how important it is to know people beyond professionalism. Today felt like a small step toward rediscovering myself socially — being open, relaxed, and willing to connect on a personal level again.

Unexpected Lunch

Looking Ahead

I’m looking forward to more moments like this with my colleagues — simple, warm, and genuine. These are the moments that make work feel lighter and life feel a little more beautiful.

Closing Line

Sometimes, its the Unexpected moments that reminds us that we belong.

If you like reading this, read Sundays in the Solomon Islands. 
https://solvoice.blogspot.com/2025/11/sundays-in-solomon-islands-my-personal.html?m=1

💬Let me know if you ever experience such special moments with your colleagues at your workplace in the comment section below.👇

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