KINGSTON, Jamaica — Michael Frater has issued a release expressing “sincere apologises” for partying instead of attending the Courtney Walsh Awards for Excellence Ceremony where he was being honoured.

In the release issued late Sunday night, Frater said he had accepted the invitation to the party after he was invited to the Courtney Walsh awards for Excellence.  

“Mr Frater unreservedly admits that in acquiescing to the invitation he committed an error of judgement which understandably has been interpreted as being disrespectful, in particular, to His Excellency Ambassador the Honourable Courtney Walsh; the Courtney Walsh Foundation; CHASE Foundation; the Most Honourable Portia Simpson-Miller, prime minister of Jamaica; former Prime Minister, the Honourable Percival J Patterson; stakeholders; and persons in attendance at the award ceremony,” the release said.

“Prior to the award ceremony, Mr Frater unfortunately suffered a leg injury for which he was then and still is receiving medical attention and which, regrettably, was exacerbated by his contracting the chikungunya virus. He acknowledges that given his ill-health and in light of the apology tendered for his absence at the award ceremony, he should, properly and respectfully, have declined the invitation,” it added.

“He deeply regrets the events and wishes to give the utmost assurance that his respect for the award, its benefactor, Ambassador Walsh, the Courtney Walsh Foundation and the people of Jamaica, who continue to support and inspire him, is abiding.  While recognising his imperfections as a human being, he fully accepts responsibility for this indiscretion, continues to be inspired by the love of family, friends and the people of Jamaica and is committed to the enduring values of humanity,” the release said.

The release said that Frater has already issued letters of apology to “relevant parties and personally responded to his fans on his Facebook page.

The Jamaica Observer was first to report, with picture, Frater at a party at the same night that an apology (that he was ill) was issued on his behalf for not attending the award ceremony.