Dr Palmer was born in Basse in 1923 where his father was working as a dispenser under the colonial administration. He started his educational career at the St Mary’s Anglican Mission school and later moved on to the Methodist boy’s High School. He knew what he wanted to be at an early age and pursued his aspirations with determined vigour.He left the Gambia to pursue his studies in science at Achimota in Gold Coast( Ghana ). He entered the University of Bristol in 1946 and graduated in 1951. He returned to the Gambia in 1952 and became a Medical officer in the then colonial service.

The exposure he had in 1953 to high maternal mortality due to difficult births and poor Natal care motivated him to specialise in obstetrics and gynecology.

Foroyaa will publish a detailed biography of this unique person who managed to serve Gambians at the grass root level, pioneer the development of an NGO to promote reproductive health and further assume the role of a legislature to promote National Development.
Reading was his hobby and he subscribed to national newspapers and followed developments in the country with overwhelming zeal.
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A great citizen, a man of honour has gone to meet his Creator, May the Lord have Mercy on him.  The medical fraternity have lost a colleague, pioneer and leader.  Just like his late friend and colleague, Dr Lenrie Peters, Dr S Palmers demise is a big loss to the Gambia. 
Rest in Eternal Perfect Peace.  Our condolences are with his Family
Mboge