A family’s century-long connection to Bel Air and the street that bears their name

May 04, 2025 Features / Columnists, News, Waterfalls Magazine

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The legacy of the Ramkarrans…

By: Christal Yong

Kaieteur News- The history of the Ramkarran family in Bel Air stretches back more than 150 years, intertwining the family’s journey with the transformation of the area itself.

The connection began in 1875, when Ralph Ramkarran’s great-great-grandfather, Beny, and his family arrived in British Guiana aboard the ship MV Dacca. Indentured from Bihar, India, Beny and his family were among the many, who came to work the sugar plantations of the colony. It was on Plantation Bel Air that Beny would forge the family’s long-standing relationship with the area.

Ralph Ramkarran, a former Speaker of the National Assembly of Guyana, recounted the family’s legacy in an interview with The Waterfalls. He said, “The Ramkarran family has had a connection with Bel Air since 1875— one hundred and fifty years ago.”

At that time, Bel Air was still a sugar plantation, though its days as such ended long ago, the designation shifted, and Bel Air was the name that continued to represent both the agricultural and residential transformation of the area. By the 1970s, Bel Air became incorporated into Greater Georgetown, yet confusion between Bel Air Park, Bel Air Springs, and the original Bel Air persisted for some time.

Beny’s arrival marked the beginning of an unbroken connection to the land that continues to this day.

Ralph Ramkarran said, “My great, great, grandfather, Beny, and his wife, Birmee, and their two children, Sanichar, Lowlassia and Burhia, came from Bihar, India, on the ship MV Dacca. They arrived in then British Guiana in January, 1875, and Beny was indentured to Plantation Bel Air on 19 January, 1875. Our family has had an unbroken connection to Bel Air since that time.”

After completing his indentureship, Beny moved to Lilendaal, though the details of his life afterward remain unclear. However, his son, Haripurshad, Ralph’s great-grandfather, remained rooted in the Bel Air community. Haripurshad became a cow farmer and acquired a large portion of land, stretching from what is now known as Ramkarran Street to Belvoir Court. Ralph’s Ramkarran family was deeply involved in the growth and development of the area, with his grandfather, Ramlall, and later his father, Boysie, playing pivotal roles in the area’s history.

“My grandfather, Ramlall (in those days Indians had only one name) was the oldest son of Haripurshad. He branched out on his own sometime in the early years of the 20th century after he was married but before my father was born and lived in accommodation near to the Bel Air school,” The former National Assembly Speaker explained.

He continued, “Eventually he purchased the lease with a house of what is now known as lot 65 to which he moved at some point.”

By the 1960s, Ralph’s father, Boysie Ramkarran, acquired land from the Booker Company when it sold off its holdings in Bel Air. Today, Ralph still resides on the same land that his ancestors established their roots upon. “Bel Air had always been a poor farming and working-class, mixed community. From the 1970s, it began to become gentrified. That process is now picking up pace,” Ramkarran said.

However, the Ramkarrans’ influence on Bel Air extends beyond land ownership. Boysie Ramkarran, the first person from the community to attend high school, played a crucial role in both the political and social fabric of Guyana. Educated at F.E. Pollard Primary School in Kitty and Modern High School, Boysie’s career at the Transport and Harbours Department led him to political activism.

“While there, he joined discussions with other junior employees in politics, world affairs, socialism, and anti-colonialism conducted by a Senior Manager, Frank Van Sertima,” Ralph shared.

These discussions were the spark that ignited Boysie’s deep political involvement. He went on to become a founding executive member and president of the clerical section of the Transport Workers Union, and later, a key figure in the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

In 1953, Boysie contested the first elections held under universal adult suffrage and won a seat. Though the British Government suspended the constitution three months later, his political journey continued. By 1957, Boysie was appointed Minister of Works and Communications, and later Minister of Works and Hydraulics, after the 1961 elections.

“In 1957, elections were held again, and the PPP won. He was appointed Minister of Works and Communications. After the 1961 elections, he was appointed Minister of Works and Hydraulics,” Ralph noted.

Boysie’s political activism led to his imprisonment in 1953 when he was arrested for failing to report to the police station as required. Despite his imprisonment, Boysie’s political impact only grew.

Ralph reflected, “By then, my father was thoroughly politicized and he joined the Political Affairs Committee when it was established by Cheddi Jagan, Janet Jagan, Ashton Chase, and Jocelyn Hubbard in 1946.”

His influence remained steadfast, and he helped establish the Guyana Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU), which played an essential role in securing recognition for sugar workers in 1976.

Ralph’s own political journey began at a young age, showing his dedication to the legacy of his father. “I started my political career very early by joining the PPP in April 1961, while still a minor,” Ralph recalled, while adding, “I was very active in fundraising and accompanied my father everywhere to political meetings.” His political career further expanded when he joined the Elections Commission in 1973 and later became an important member of the PPP’s central committee.

Ralph’s legal career also paralleled his political involvement. He joined the firm of Cameron & Shepherd in 1977, eventually becoming a senior partner. His legal work focused on defending individuals charged in connection with strikes, demonstrations, and political movements. “During the course of my legal career, I defended scores of defendants charged with criminal offences arising out of strikes in the sugar industry and political demonstrations,” Ralph shared.

Today, the legacy of the Ramkarran family continues to thrive, as their name now graces a street in the heart of Bel Air. The street, which once was simply a part of a plantation, now represents more than just the location of their land; it embodies the Ramkarran family’s enduring impact on both the community of Bel Air and the political landscape of Guyana.

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• Bel Air stretches, British Guiana, Greater Georgetown, Ralph’s Ramkarran, Ramkarrans

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