PUBLIC Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, has apologised to veteran journalist and longstanding Guyana Press Association (GPA) member, Denis Chabrol, and other media workers for his derogatory remarks at the conclusion of the Commissioner of Police farewell parade on Wednesday.

In one of his comments, he told Chabrol “Haul you ass” after he had earlier that day used expletives in a phone conversation with the journalist.

In a letter to the GPA President Nazima Raghubir, Ramjattan said, “I humbly apologise to you, your Press Association, Mr. Dennis Chabrol and all media workers for what transpired on February 28, 2018.”

He, however, noted that the contents of the GPA letter to him calling for the apology were not entirely accurate.

The public security minister said in retrospect he should not have expressed his feelings on the matter to Chabrol as he did.

“I intended him no abuse nor hostility by that expletive. From now on I assure you he will not hear anything from me of that sort. Probably, not anything at all!” Ramjattan said.

The minister said he was provoked after he indicated several times to Chabrol that he will not make any public comments about the commissioner of police at the farewell parade.

He believes that being questioned on the matter was “totally out of place and wholly unwarranted”.

The minister was at the time being questioned on whether the application for a firearm dealership license by Commissioner Persaud had reached his desk, which would have been required before approval is granted.

GPA President Nazima Raghubir acknowledged receipt of the minister’s apology and noted that Chabrol remains one of “our most respected members and journalists”.

“We remain committed to ensuring that our members are treated with respect while they too understand and apply that respect during their functions,” she said.