CHIEF LIBRARIAN at the National Library, Gillian Thompson was killed yesterday in a two-vehicle accident at the corner of New Garden and North Road, Georgetown.
Reports said that members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) were pursuing the occupants of a white Premio car when the accident occurred.

Thompson was the front seat passenger of the minibus PDD 4017 registered to the National Library, was the lone passenger with the driver, John Beveney, who is hospitalised at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) nursing injuries.
The occupants of the car was taken into police custody after the head-on collision which saw the car coming to a stop partially submerged in the nearby canal, while the bus came to a standstill after it crashed into the concrete bridge.
Thompson, 47, of Lot 3476 Jackson Street, Postel Housing Scheme, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was pronounced dead on arrival at the GPHC.
The side of the bus where Thompson was seated suffered the brunt of the impact and there were pools of blood at the scene while scores of curious passersby stopped to get a glimpse of the mangled minibus.

Thompson, who was attached to the National Library for the past twenty-two years, and who was the Chief Librarian for the past nine years, was unmarried with no children but was described as the “light at the end of the tunnel” for her relatives, friends and her staff members.
At the time of the accident she was on her way to distribute Christmas gifts to friends, staffers and others and thereafter she wanted to go shopping.
Her relatives with whom she resided were devastated after they learnt of her demise and most of them were lost for words as they openly cried.
Reports said that the driver of the speeding car lost control of the vehicle which slammed into the bus in which Thompson and the driver were travelling.
A close friend told this publication that Thompson was a generous person, who always thought of others and lived with her father, siblings and a nephew, all of whom were in a deep state of mourning.
The close friend was trying not to break down into tears as he fondly spoke of Thompson, who was his mentor and best friend.
Meanwhile, staffers of the National Library after receiving the dreadful news erupted in loud wails and some even journeyed to the hospital to confirm that the news they received was actually true.
Margaret Eastman, Coordinator of External Activities attached to the National Library could barely contain herself as she spoke to the Guyana Chronicle last night.
She and Thompson were close friends, almost like sisters along with her secretary and when she got the news of her death she was inconsolable.
Eastman, who was at her home said that she lost a sister, who was the most humane person she met and she was very humble and simple.
Thompson was a person, who worked behind the scenes and promoted others over herself and someone who listened to everyone, and her staff held in high esteem.
Eastman added that she made you feel as “someone special” she had that effect on people with her accommodating attitude and was always doing something for someone.
Thompson was a go-getter, who demonstrated great respect for her staff and others and her motive at work was to move the National Library forward and promote literacy.
She was generous and very giving and would be greatly missed by all those who knew her, said Eastman as she cried.
The driver, John Beveney was being prepared for x-ray last night as he complained of pains in the right arm, neck and back.
He was traumatised and unable to speak last night.
The police, up to press time, did not issue a press statement on the accident as promised and when contacted for a comment said they were busy.
Thompson served as Chief Librarian for the past nine years after pursuing post-graduate studies in Library Science at the University of the West Indies, Mona campus.
Many staff members bemoaned the loss of a person who they considered to be “a good boss.”
Funeral arrangements will be announced later.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education expressed sincere condolences to the family, friends and staff of the National Library, on the passing of Ms. Thompson.
The Ministry in a release said Thompson worked at the National Library for just over two decades, beginning on November 1, 1991. In 2004 she became the Chief Librarian and worked tirelessly until her untimely passing on December 24, 2013.
“A consummate professional who dedicated her time, energy, and professional training in library science towards the advancement of reading in Guyana, Gillian would be dearly missed not only by her family, but by her colleagues and friends at the National Library and those from within the education fraternity,” the Ministry said adding: “May her soul Rest In Peace!.”

(By Michel Outridge)