KINGSTON, Jamaica – Deputy general secretary of the People’s National Party (PNP), Dexroy Martin has apologised for his part in the mistreatment of a journalist at the party’s headquarters recently.

In a statement on Tuesday, Martin, who is accused of shunning the reporter because of the colour of her outfit, said he understands that his actions were “unacceptable and disrespectful.”

“I wish to express my deepest apologies for my comments to media personnel last evening on her visit to the headquarters of the PNP. I understand that my comments, with respect to the colour of her clothing, were completely unacceptable and disrespectful, and I am deeply sorry for any offence that I have caused,” his statement read.

The RJR/Gleaner Group journalist was reportedly wearing green pants and a black polka-dot top.

According to Martin, media personnel entered a private meeting room at the party headquarters towards the end of a meeting with some party supporters. He alleged that he informed the media personnel that only the general secretary was able to speak on the matter and asked them to withdraw from the private meeting space.

“I commented on the colour of her clothing, which was unacceptable, and I unreservedly apologise,” Martin continued, stating that his actions do not reflect the standards of the PNP,” Martin said.

Martin also apologised to the leader of the opposition, Mark Golding, and his fellow comrades “for any negative attention or distraction that my actions have caused.”

READ: PNP apologises for ‘regrettable’ incident involving journalists

He added: “I want to take this opportunity to inform you that I have taken steps to meet with the offended party and wish to assure her of my unreserved apologies. I will also reiterate my commitment to ensuring that such behaviour never recurs in the future.”

Martin also sought to distance himself from sexual assault comments meted out to the reporter during the same event.

“I have been made aware of an offensive and reprehensible comment of a sexual nature that was directed at the same media personnel by someone unknown to me,” he said indicating that although he did not hear the comment, he wishes to denounce it just the same.

“I personally did not hear the comment but wish to unhesitatingly denounce this act in no uncertain terms and apologise further to the journalist. I have committed to cooperating fully in every effort to investigate and have this matter resolved to the satisfaction of the journalist.”

Martin stated that he understands the importance of upholding the highest standards of professionalism and respect in all interactions, and regrets that he “fell short of those standards in this instance.”