Tribute is hereby paid to the late Anta Samba, a former Secretary to the Female Youth Wing and executive member of the United Democratic Party (UDP), who departed this world in 2015.

Born and raised in Banjul, and from the well known Sambene family, Anta first came to prominence within the UDP in 1998 when she was elected Secretary to the Female Youth Wing at the party’s first ever congress held in Brikama, West Coast Region. This earned her a seat in the National Executive Committee as a bona fide member.

Anta wasted no time in stepping up to the plate as her role would demand. She started building strong interpersonal relationship with many party operatives and officials, and soon became a respected and influential figure who was admired by all, particularly in Banjul where she has strong family ties. Her contributions to National Executive Committee deliberations have always been substantive and helpful, especially on issues concerning youths and women.

Many would recall the UDP Fitzgerald Street rally of March 1999 in Banjul. Anta provided lunch for the party officials and members who came early, at her own expense. She would repeat the same generosity any time there was a party function or rally in Banjul, as well as to our party agents during voter registration exercises and elections.

She was a very polite, respectful, kind hearted and generous woman who adored her children. She would usually bring them along to party functions and events. Her death is a big loss to her family and to the UDP, but equally to the people of Banjul and The Gambia as a whole. She is sorely missed.

Rest in peace Sambalinguere ak Samba Biran