St. George’s, November 20, 2012 – Former Labour Minister Glynis Roberts, who resigned from government in September, is playing a leading role in the formation of Grenada’s newest political party.

A formal launch of the party, whose name has not yet been made public, is said to be scheduled for next week.

Spokesman for the group, Jerome Joseph – a former interim leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) – said the head of the new party will be chosen at a future convention.

He said Roberts is expected to be among the leadership contenders.

Of five former NDC government ministers, Roberts is the only one who has so far been publicly identified with the new party, which is expected to contest general elections within the next few months.

The Parliamentary Elections Office has reported that as many as 16 parties have indicated an interest in contesting the upcoming polls.

In the last general election in 2008, the NDC defeated the incumbent New National Party (NNP) 11 – 4 to form the government after 13 years in opposition.

The NNP has already named its full slate of 15 candidates for the forthcoming elections.

The NDC has recently endorsed new candidates to replace some members who were on its 2008 team.

They include Education Minister, Senator Franka Bernadine, who will be seeking elected political office for the first time.

Bernadine’s contenders for the Town of St. George seat will include former cabinet colleague, Peter David, who has been MP for the constituency since 2003.

David, a former NDC general secretary, has also served as Grenada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism.