"The incident involving Mr. Dexroy Martin, a Deputy General Secretary of the People's National Party (PNP), and a journalist of the [RJRGLEANER Communications 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," it said in a media release on Tuesday.

The PNP said it disassociates itself from Martin's behaviour, and wants to reassure the media that such behaviour will not be tolerated within the party.

Journalists were heckled for wearing green clothing to the PNP headquarters and in recorded audio, a person can be heard saying "Mi can rape yuh enuh."

It has been reported that the comment was made by a PNP supporter and directed at a female journalist.

The PNP's statement did not explicitly reference the rape comment, however, it stated that "the party further notes with much discomfort the inappropriate behaviour and offensive comments from other unidentified persons who were present on our property at the time of the incident."

"Neither Mr Martin nor any other party officer witnessed this abusive remark. The PNP 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," it continued. 

It further stated that "the PNP unreservedly extends our sincere apologies to the journalist who was subjected to such abuse."