KINGSTON, Jamaica – Following reports that a journalist was mistreated while on duty at the headquarters of the People’s National Party (PNP), the Mark Golding-led party has issued an official apology.

The incident saw a supporter of the PNP threatening a reporter with rape as journalists covered a protest by comrades against the appointment of Dr Alfred Dawes as the PNP’s candidate in South East St Catherine.

In a statement on Tuesday, the PNP dubbed the incident as “regrettable”, adding that the incident does not reflect the morals upheld by the party.

“Mi can rape yuh enuh,” the unidentified PNP supporter said as the reporter fielded questions to PNP vice president Mikael Phillips.

The PNP, in a statement on Tuesday, said it “strongly condemns such comments and does not support any act of violence against citizens, especially our women, and will support any investigation by the authorities of this matter and are prepared to take swift and appropriate action against the perpetrator.”

“The PNP unreservedly extends our sincere apologies to the journalist who was subjected to such abuse. We have spoken with her directly, as well as with her supervisors, and have expressed our regret for what happened and have offered our unreserved apologies. She has been assured of our commitment to investigating the matter fully and ensuring that the offenders are disciplined,” it continued.

The opposition also condemned the actions of its general secretary, Dexroy Martin, who allegedly sought to bar a journalist from speaking to Phillips because of the colour of their outfit.

“The incident involving Mr Dexroy Martin, a deputy general secretary of the PNP, and a journalist of the RJR Media Group was completely unacceptable and does not reflect the position of the PNP with respect to engagements with the media and guests on the PNP’s property,” the PNP said in their statement as they distanced themselves from Martin’s actions.

The Opposition also used the opportunity to assure the public that it will “take all the necessary steps to ensure that our members understand the importance of this commitment and that such incidents do not recur in the future.”