16.11.2012
I hope this finds you all well.
All is well here although silly Kenn got absolutely drenched this morning as the heavens opened on Honiara! I sheltered under a christmas tree (not that type!) with some of the kids from Mbokona Primary School for about 10 minutes and then we decided to have a race down the hill. Alas, we did not beat the raindrops and unsurprisingly, we all got very wet :)
Anyway, back to reality. The fitting title of this entry's theme is levels and (first)differences. Pray tell I hear you say...OK then!
Time after time
As I move towards finishing my second month, time is also passing for several of my friends. Given the very nature of the work that brings us together here in Honiara, it’s only natural that people will be at different stages of their journeys. However, friends leaving from time to time is one thing but when several people from a relatively small contingent move on to pastures new, it’s quite a disconcerting feeling that I have yet to experience prior to this adventure. Looking at the bigger ex-pat picture, one finds that they are in a much larger transient operation with considerable repercussions. I’m sure many of you have been subjected this notion…interesting isn't it? Still, it doesn't take away the feeling of sadness as Krystal, Lucy and Hannah will be saying their farewells in the coming days.
I think the trick is not to dwell on the downsides too much and focus on what good can come of it, a concept that I am well versed in. :) As people go, new people replace them and so new friendships can be made. Also, I’m quite fortunate to have made good friends at work (who are all Solomon Islanders) and they provide that constant and stability. Together with the fact that I have my wantok[1] here, so the Philippines always feel nearby.
I(0) or I(1)
Work is super busy at the moment – Both the chief and deputy managers are on training in Fiji and Singapore this week, which means I’m head of the Economics Department(isn’t that frightening I hear some of you mumble!) It’s a lot of work and meetings aplenty but it has helped me in many ways particularly to conclude that when I become head of a division like Mr Mitchell and Mr Richards, I will strictly ban weekly Friday manager meetings that finish at 530pm! The lovely thing is that through all of these weekly meetings, me and the Deputy Governor are like best buds now! Sitting next to each other means we share jokes all the time and exchange ideas – all good fun.
Working nights and Saturdays seem to be the norm these days. I can’t complain. When I get round to doing work, the subject matters are truly interesting particularly my main work priority at the moment - estimating the money demand function for Solomon Islands. Although the area of money demand is well documented, there is very little work that has been produced on the Pacific Islands, let alone for Solomon Islands. In that respect, I feel that our findings will be ground-breaking (to a degree – don’t get carried away now, Kennton). This was reiterated by the Governor this afternoon. It’s also satisfying the academic itch that beginning to develop over the last couple of years.
Also, my Defra colleagues will smile at the next sentence – As a side project, I’m currently implementing CBA structures for the Bank whereby all of our policies are accompanied by…yes, Aphra…IMPACT ASSESSMENTS! Anyway, I won’t bore you with the details but topical work on economic impacts of scaling down of logging operations; impacts of financial disclosure requirements on commercial banks; impacts of expanding auction eligibility of Government securities in an economy experiencing excessive free liquidity.
November Best Bits
I'm in a little bit of a hurry because security is waiting to kick me out so will just finish this entry with my November best bits.
I took my maiden voyage to another island earlier this month. A few of my friends and I left Guadacanal and went to Tulagi, the former capital of Solomon Islands. The trip to the island was pleasant but the neighbouring islands were far more impressive – much fun was had eating lunch on the beach and snorkelling in the afternoon. It's crazy (and slightly frightening) what you see when you have your snorkel on…the number of sea urchins was quite disturbing.
In other news, I got bitten by a dog earlier this week, which was a little bit of drama in my life - all fine now and no foaming of the mouth (I had time to check as I wrestled the dog from my ankle - slight embellishment of the true story). Finally, birthday blo mi long weekend (a little bit of Pijin - whoop whoop)... so we are going to party it up in Maravagi this weekend. We're taking the boat out on tomorrow morning for a 3 hour journey. You'll be glad to hear that there is a theme - Kenn's Mad Hatter Tea Party (minus the tea, plus the Solbrew). Will update you all on that next time :)
Well, time to dash but before I go, I will leave you with some great news...I'm coming home for Christmas (cue Mariah Carey song please -you know which one so don't try and pretend you don't). I'll let you know dates later as my flights have been moved.
Wishing you all a great weekend and much love from the Pacific.
Kennton xx
P.S. Photos to follow soon.
[1] Apologies to my Pacific friends that know) wantok are like your family relations defined by a common identity. The relationship this can be blood or by race or even by nationality.
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