KINGSTON, Jamaica— State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Alando Terrelonge, says he regrets a series of posts made to his social media platforms in which a Jamaican flag emoji was used to block out the portraits of former Prime Ministers Portia Simpson Miller and PJ Patterson.

The prime ministers whose faces were obscured in the posts were also leaders of the Opposition Peoples’ National Party.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Terrelonge, who is a representative of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party said that the post was “regretted” and did not reflect his approach.

“The stories posted are indeed regretted, and as stated, do not reflect my approach over the years,” said Terrelonge.

Terrelonge further explained that the posts in question were made by a member of his team, whose access to his social media accounts has since been revoked.

“I was advised of stories posted by one of my team members with access to my social media, not in keeping with my style of posting,” he said.

“He was instructed to remove all stories posted to the account immediately, and I have since removed him from access to all my social media accounts,” Terrelonge added.

Prior to the state minister addressing the issue, the youth arm of the People’s National Party, the PNPYO, and other civil society actors slammed the posts as a reckless disregard for the principles of statesmanship and diplomacy.

“Such behaviour is not only irresponsible but also tribal and demeaning to the esteemed office that he holds. As representatives of the Jamaican people, our government officials should exemplify decorum and respect at all times, especially when engaging with matters of national importance and diplomacy,” the youth arm said in a statement Wednesday.

The PNPYO called for an immediate apology from the state minister and encouraged Prime Minister Andrew Holness to swiftly implement a promised social media policy for government members.

Terrelonge is currently in London attending a series of courtesy meetings with members of the Jamaican Diaspora at the Jamaican High Commission.