KINGSTON, Jamaica — The People’s National Party today announced that educator Keisha Hayle will be the party’s candidate in the St Andrew North Western constituency by–election to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Derrick Smith.

A release from the party explained that Hayle, who is the principal of Padmore Primary in West Rural St Andrew, has been an accomplished teacher creating “miracles” at the school, which, prior to her arrival there, was on the list of failing institutions.

The new PNP candidate is the holder of separate degrees in psychology and politics from the University of the West Indies and has been a career teacher of 17 years and served at the Red Hills Primary School before going to Padmore.

Politically, the party said she has been active in the PNP organisation in West Rural St Andrew serving as Constituency Secretary and Vice Chairman of the Red Hills Division.

“A born and bred Kingstonian from Waltham Park Road, Miss Hayle has been a forceful community activist. She has an impressive record of community service, particularly in Red Hills and is pledging to rekindle the flames of nationalism in North West Andrew by “awakening and shaping the constituency spirit giving direction, purpose and organisational form”.

The PNP candidate has also pledged to promote the interests of the people by organising political machinery which caters to the constituency’s holistic needs, including economic, political, social, infrastructural and cultural.

Meanwhile, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) on Wednesday announced that new party comer; Nigel Clarke is to be their standard-bearer for the constituency, instead of Duane Smith, son of Derrick Smith who he wanted to take over from him as Member of Parliament.

The party however formally informed the younger Smith that he will not be the governing party’s candidate for the seat — a decision that will likely draw the ire of his father, Derrick, who has made it clear that he will not sanction any attempt to parachute a candidate into the constituency.