ALTHOUGH it is with great sadness that I am paying tribute to my best friend, “Gill”, as my family affectionately called her, I feel honoured to add my voice to the many glowing words of appreciation that you would have heard since her tragic passing. I first met Gillian in June 2001 when she was doing her fieldwork at our library: the National Library Service in Barbados. She was pursuing a master’s degree in library and information science in Jamaica, and fieldwork was one of the requirements needed for completion of the programme.
To be quite honest, when I saw her for the first time at our technical division, I just gave her a “once over”, because she seemed so quiet and reserved. However, when she came to the Reference Department where I was attached, I befriended her and started to take her out, since she said that she did not go anywhere.
I tried to let her see as much of Barbados, and as much of our culture as was possible. I took her to my home, and she grew very fond of my children, and they of her. Gillian became my Guyanese sister, and a member of my family. I can recall “Gill” telling me that I am her second mother, sister and good friend. I felt honoured to have been considered a sister and a good friend. But mother? No way!
I took “Gill” to the Methodist Church in the north of the island where I worship, and, unknown to her, I told the Stewardess to say a special welcome to her. When her name was called during the welcome session, Gillian was so shocked, she stared me down, something I later learnt was a sign of her showing disbelief. After the service, she asked me when I had spoken to the Stewardess, but admitted that she was happy that I had done it, nevertheless.
I took her to a wedding, to a funeral, out shopping, and to many of our historic sites. I will never forget when I took “Gill” on a church boat cruise. Actually, that was the first time I had taken her out. After the cruise, she thanked me and added, “I want you to know that I keep my friends.” That was a profound statement; and she meant it.
This year marked the 12th year of our friendship; a friendship that was unshakeable. Until December 24, 2013! At the end of the three-month fieldwork, when “Gill” was ready to return home, she thanked me for, as she said, “Showing me a good time!”
“Gill’s” special traits were her generosity, her selflessness, her humility and modesty, her tolerance, thoughtfulness, love of people, and her dedication to her job. With regard to her generosity, she would give and give, even if it were her last of whatever she had. She was never negative, and always saw the good in people. Gillian was a family person, and for her, “home drums” always beat first. She loved her nieces and nephews dearly, and treated them as her own. Gillian loved her job, and admired her staff. She was determined to keep the library relevant and visible in the community, so much so that she was constantly planning and implementing programmes, especially for the youth.
Indeed, Gillian went above and beyond what was required of her. Only recently, she told me that she was busy planning for January 2014. I always told her that she worked too hard, but she would have none of it, and continued in her quest to meet the needs of the patrons of the National Library of Guyana!
Gillian loved to sing, and had an appreciation for most genres of music. And believe me, she could sing! She loved a good laugh, and she had the most beautiful smile, ever! Sometimes I would tease her about the loudness of her laughter, and she would go, “Sorry”, and stare me down!
It is virtually impossible to verbalise the importance of “Gill’s” friendship, and how much she meant to me. I will miss her every day of my life, and will always cherish the friendship we had. Her death was sudden and meaningless, but her life, though brief, was meaningful. Her memory will live on in our hearts, and her legacy will continue through her siblings, father, relatives and friends.
If Gillian were here today, I know that she would be blushing at these remarks, but they are words fit for you, Gillian! If there are such things as Earth Angels, you were one! May your soul rest in peace!
On behalf of my family, the library community and the people of Barbados, who had the privilege of knowing her, I extend condolences to Gillian’s dad, her siblings, relatives and friends! God Bless You All!
G-entle and generous (not only of tangible things, but of her time)
I-ntelligent
L-oving and
L-ovable
I-maginative, inspiring
A-mazing, awesome
N-ice, yet no-nonsense.
Love
Sylvia Hinds (Barbados)