At the PODIUM - WEEKLY SELECTION OF EXCERPTS AND QUOTES

1. As the dominant player in the private-sector market, there is a glaring anomaly in that our public-sector penetration continues to be halted with limited opportunities to bid to bring our significant advantages, including cost savings to the public sector. But we look forward to helping to transform the Government of Jamaica's network in the same way we have transformed the networks for each of our private-sector clients here today.

We look forward to the dialogue that will continue beyond today and we stand here as partners to build stronger businesses and a stronger Jamaica.

- John Clear, vice-president, Columbus Business Solutions, at Breakfast Forum of the Business Processing Industry Association of Jamaica

2. Each basic school under the Food For The Poor Jamaica 50 Campaign cost just over J$2 million to construct. To intensify our charity's effort of providing more communities islandwide with early-childhood facilities, through the Jamaica 50 Campaign, we need the support of more corporate companies and civic organisations. How will you assist us in replacing those schools which are deemed as unfit spaces for our children to learn? You can get involved by donating to the construction of a basic school in your parish."

Former South African President Nelson Mandela once said, 'Education is the most powerful weapon, which you can use to change the world.' So let us all commit to helping to improve our education facilities and to making Jamaica a better place for our children and adults."

- Andrew Mahfood, chairman, Food For The Poor Jamaica, at the official opening of High House Basic School

3. Our investment over this period has reaped tremendous returns, particularly among our young people people who have continued to display what can only be described as 'genius' on the tracks. Every year, we are dazzled by these athletes who have a pedigree which can only be manufactured right here in Jamaica.

Champs is more than just identifying new, promising talent, the National Stadium will be transformed into perhaps the largest schoolyard setting we may ever be able to create, meet and greet, rekindle friendships or simply reminisce on schooldays past.

LIME values these meaningful moments. As the value champions, we note that Champs has progressed beyond the stigma of tension and occasional violence through the tireless efforts of Issa, the police, and civic-minded youth groups and schools. Thanks to all those key stakeholders who brought us to this more peaceful place.

- Carlo Redwood, LIME Jamaica's vice-president for marketing, at the launch of Champs 2013 on February 27

4. You have the choice about how to spend your time! Are you going to spend two hours studying? Or are you going to watch TV? Will you go to that service-club meeting, or text and Whatsapp on your phone? Are you going to practise with the sports team?

You can't pick the perfect career, because none of us knows the future. Having had many different career experiences, I know that it doesn't matter what you initially choose to do; make sure you focus on a few core things that remain constant:

Develop skills that are in demand. Get exposed to other aspects of your field so that you are well rounded and if different opportunities come up, you can take advantage of them.

When obstacles come, people who don't have that strength, perseverance and determination fall by the wayside.

It is OK to change your mind. Ask yourself - am I having fun? If not, stop and do something you enjoy.

To achieve big things, you have to be a part of a team.

- Andrea Chung, HR director, Digicel Jamaica, speaking to Campion College 9th graders on Career Day

5. Experience has taught me to be circumspect in projecting time frames for the development of legalisation, so I will simply say that we hope to have a draft bill for review in the near future.

It is proposed that the new, single anti-corruption entity will be established as a Commission of Parliament, in order to ensure its independence.

Five commissioners, as follows:

1. Two persons chosen from retired judges of the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court, one of whom will serve as chairman.

2. The auditor general.

3. Two nominees by specified civil-society groups.

Commissioners, with the exception of the auditor general, are to be appointed by the governor general after consultation with the prime minister and leader of the Opposition. Their appointment will be subject to parliamentary approval.

The commissioners will serve for a period of seven years, with possibility of reappointment. The functions of the commission will involve those previously undertaken by: 1), the Integrity Commission, to receive statutory declarations of assets and income by Parliamentarians; 2), the Commission for the Prevention of Corruption, to receive similar declarations from public officers and deal with complaints in respect of corrupt conduct involving such officers; and 3), the Office of the Contractor General, to monitor and investigate the award and management of government contracts and the government procurement process.

- Justice Minister Mark Golding speaking at the public forum for a single anti-corruption entity in Jamaica, on February 27