'Hayle is capable of anything she sets her mind to,' says Padmore resident

A bittersweet departure is how Melissa Satchell, a member of the administrative staff at Padmore Primary School in Red Hills, rural St Andrew, is describing the planned move by much-acclaimed principal of the institution, Keisha Hayle, to contest the by-election for the vacant St Andrew North West seat.

But while Satchell has mixed feelings about Hayle's foray into representational politics, she has no doubt that the dedicated educator would not forget Padmore Primary. "She has taken this school so far and I know that she won't leave us out," Satchell said.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced a March 5 by-election on Sunday for the seat that became vacant after the resignation of veteran member of parliament Derrick Smith.

Satchell told The Gleaner yesterday that she has worked with Hayle for five years and has seen the institution transition into the resounding success that it is today owing to the unrelenting efforts of the principal in pushing the school to achieve 100 per cent literacy.

"Ms Hayle is a great person, very loving, heart-warming and is capable of anything she sets her mind to," said Satchell.

Some residents of Padmore, Red Hills, heaped praises on Hayle for her accomplishments at the institution.

A resident who gave her name as Sandra described Hayle yesterday as an icon in the community. "She has done a good job," said Sandra, noting that her transition into politics would help her to make a greater contribution to society."

Cindea Broughton, another resident, expressed confidence in Hayle's ability to take on the task of representing St Andrew North West.