KINGSTON, Jamaica — Member of Parliament for St Catherine South West, Everald Warmington, has issued a formal apology and withdrawn remarks he made on a political platform in Westmoreland on Sunday, following widespread public backlash.

Speaking during a workers’ appreciation ceremony held in Savanna-la-Mar, Warmington told Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) supporters to vote along party lines even if they disliked their local candidate. He encouraged voters to “close your eyes… and say ‘mi a vote fi Andrew Holness,’” adding that they should “put the X beside the… bell” , a reference to the JLP symbol, in a speech laced with expletives.

“You don’t like your candidate? Vote for Andrew Holness Labour Party,” he said at the event.

Warmington’s comments quickly went viral on social media, drawing heavy criticism from the public.

Amid the mounting criticism, Warmington in a statement on Monday said:

“I recognise that my comments on the platform yesterday were inappropriate and I regret offending anyone with the comments I made. So I do withdraw them and apologise.”

It is understood that the apology followed intervention from senior members of the Jamaica Labour Party.

READ: Warmington under fire for ‘close your eyes and vote for Holness’ comment