Senator Pearnel Charles Jr has urged wards at the Metclafe Street Juvenile Remand Centre to take advantage of the opportunities presented to them there to make a positive change in their lives.

Charles, who is the junior minister in the Ministry of National Security, made the call during a visit to the centre on December 23, 2017.

He implored wards to turn whatever caused them to be at the centre into something positive.

Noting that Christmas is a time for giving and forgiving, Charles advised the wards to first forgive themselves, then forgive those who have wronged them so that they can free their minds from the issues that have caused them to be institutionalised.

Youth ambassador for the We Transform Programme Jeffery Campbell, otherwise known as entertainer Agent Sasco, accompanied Charles on the visit.

He appealed to individuals and businesses to join in making a difference in the lives of wards at the centre. According to Sasco, if more people help it will make a big difference and bridge the divide between where wards are and where they should be.

ICD Chief Executive Officer Peter Melhado and ReadyTV Chief Executive Officer Christopher Dehring both pledged to get more involved and committed to becoming regular visitors to the centre.

The team presented the centre with a 32-inch LED television and Playstation Four gaming system which will be included in the setting up of a model dorm at the facility.

Wards who display exemplary behaviour will be allowed to use the equipment.

Dehring also gave the centre free ReadyTV cable television service, comprising of 129 channels.

The wards were also presented with footballs, and board games such as monopoly, cranium, and ludo.

The team promised to return with football boots and jerseys for the young men.