Principal collects award, drops dead

The tragic turn of events shocked the large crowd which had gathered at the school to mark its 125th anniversary yesterday.

The Rev Emmanuel Ramdeen, who had just given the invocation, rushed to his assistance, and a number of people in the audience attempted CPR, but by then Budri, 74, was already dead.

Budri’s daughter Sylvia, a member of staff at the school, rushed to his side shouting, "Daddy, daddy daddy!" She had to be consoled by friends and family. Deputy Mayor Orlando Nagessar, who was in the audience, made attempts to call the ambulance service, but was told that none was available.

Dass Funeral Home was contacted and removed the body. Budri, a father of five, began his teaching career in 1946 and was the principal of the Chandernagore Presbyterian School in Chaguanas from 1986 to 1990. His career in education spanned some 42 years.

The anniversary function was postponed "until some time later," the principal announced. Commenting on his death, Rev Rawle Sukhu, moderator of the Presbyterian Church, said, "It is a real shock to all of us by the turn of events and the entire school community has been plunged into sadness at the suddenness of the passing away of such an outstanding member of the church." He expressed condolences to the family and said, "We all grieve, for he served with dignity."

Nagessar said that Budri had "served the teaching profession with a scholarly approach, and he will be sadly missed."

Funeral arrangements are to be announced.