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Showing posts from November 9, 2025

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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Sundays in the Solomon Islands: My Personal Prayer Day

By Ivory waki / Solvoice
Sundays in the Solomon Islands are traditionally prayer days for many, especially the devoted Sunday “keepers.” I’m not a regular churchgoer, but I have my own Sunday ritual—a small personal tradition that keeps my spirit awake, grateful, and connected to God. Finding Solace in Music During some of the lowest points in my life, I discovered the power of music. I enjoy a wide variety of genres, from worldly tunes to gospel songs. But there’s one gospel singer whose music touches me in ways words can hardly describe: Paul Wilbur. Listening to his songs in tough moments brings a sacred vibe—not just to my heart, but to the environment around me. Even on sleepless nights, I can play his music on YouTube and let his melodies carry me until I finally drift off. Why Paul Wilbur? His voice is deep, powerful, and capable of piercing even the hardest of hearts. There’s a sense of peace, hope, and connection in his music that feels like a direct conversation with God. No matter how heavy life fee...
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Two Days of Hustle and Learning in Honiara

By Ivory waki / Solvoice
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Life in Honiara Solomon Islands , can feel like a whirlwind—especially for someone like me, still finding my footing in a new role and a new chapter in life. These past two days were exactly that: loaded, meaningful, funny, emotional, and uniquely island-style. Kosu Land — First Official Site Visit Yesterday was my very first trip to Kosu Land, where ACOM ’s new University will eventually stand. As a new project manager, stepping onto the site felt surreal. The construction is still in its early stages and there’s plenty of work ahead, but one thing stood out—the Administration Building , now about 90% complete, already in its finishing phase. It gave me a sense of progress and purpose watching the future slowly take shape. JCPU Administration Building Corona Market — The Familiar Hustle Driving back to the office, we passed Corona Market, alive with the usual hustle of Honiara life. Women and men sat behind their tables full of garden produce, BBQ chicken , and smokes—an everyday b...
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A Morning That Touched the Soul

By Ivory waki / Solvoice
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It was 7:30 in the morning, and I was finding it hard to get out of bed. Pulling myself up slowly, I took a shower — I hadn’t had one the evening before. Once I got dressed, I started calling almost every taxi service I knew — Kings , Classic , and Professional — but none picked up. After a while, I tried again, and this time Professional Taxi answered. While waiting, I joined some friends and neighbors by the roadside. We shared coffee and  smoke, exchanging morning greetings and small talk. There’s something special and beautiful about such simple moments — starting the day with laughter, conversation, and the warmth of familiar faces. Typical island way Almost thirty minutes passed before a car taxi finally drove by. I hopped in and canceled my earlier call with Professional Taxi. At the Office Compound I arrived around 8:55 a.m. and clocked in, already thinking about having one more smoke before starting work. Sitting outside, I lit my cigar and took a slow puff. Just as I be...
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