The Story of the Ramdhanny Family

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The Ramdhanny family is deeply rooted in Grenada’s agricultural and entrepreneurial history, with strong ties to the Nyack lineage. Lawrence Ramdhanny, born in 1901, was the son of J. J. Ramdhanny and Jessie Nyack, and a grandson of John AbrahamNyack, they were children of Indian migrant workers. This connection placed him within a legacy of land ownership, discipline, and community contribution.

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J. J. Ramdhanny and Jessie Nyack lived on lands at Petite Soucie, which had been given to them by Jessie’s dad. Their life was grounded in agriculture, and Jessie worked alongside her husband on the land, reflecting the shared labour that sustained many families of that period.

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Lawrence grew up with two sisters, Lena and Laura. His early ambitions were not rooted in agriculture. He aspired to become a medical doctor, but his parents were unable to afford the cost of such training. Instead, he pursued studies in pharmacy and qualified as a pharmacist, demonstrating determination to advance despite financial constraints.

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Initially, Lawrence did not have a strong interest in farming. However, over time, he joined his father in agricultural work, particularly in La Poterie. This marked a turning point, as he began to embrace the land and eventually built upon it in significant ways. The foundation of the family’s commercial enterprise began in Tivoli, St. Andrew, where they operated a small shop selling a wide range of goods including groceries, rum, tobacco, fabric, and hardware items. This modest beginning marked the genesis of what would become the well-established family-owned Grenadian enterprise, L. L. Ramdhanny & Company Limited.

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In 1949, Lawrence purchased Lesterre Estate, expanding the family’s agricultural base. Over time, the family’s holdings grew to include Bagatelle in St. Andrew, both known for nutmeg cultivation. His involvement in the agricultural sector extended beyond his own estates, as he served on the Nutmeg Board and was actively engaged in the cocoa industry, contributing to the development of Grenada’s key export sectors.

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Lawrence was a businessman of vision whose enterprise evolved into a diversified commercial operation. From its early beginnings in Tivoli and expansion into Grenville, the business grew to include a hardware and lumber operation, a petrol station, and a cinema in Grenville, reflecting both commercial foresight and an understanding of community needs. The business later expanded further, establishing a presence in St. George’s through another branch of L. L. Ramdhanny.

 

The family’s portfolio also came to include significant hospitality interests, including the Calabash Hotel.  Beyond business, Lawrence participated actively in public life. He had a strong interest in horse racing and was known within that community. He also contributed to national dialogue by writing articles in the newspaper on social and national issues, reflecting a broader commitment to civic engagement and national development.

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Family support was central to his success. His sisters, Laura and Lena, along with other relatives, were actively involved in supporting the business, demonstrating the importance of extended family networks in building and sustaining enterprise.

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Lawrence married Gladys Budhlall, linking the Ramdhanny family to another established Indo-Grenadian lineage. Gladys was connected to both the Budhlall and Lalbeharisingh families. Her relatives, including Louie Lalbeharisingh and James Budhlall, lived at Belmont Estate. James was known as a tanner and was regarded as a friendly and respected member of the community. It is also noted that the mother of Jimmy Budhlall was from the Wardally family, further connecting these family lines within the Indo-Grenadian community. Another well-noted member of the extended family was Alister Budhlall, who served as a physician in Grenada.

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Lawrence and Gladys had six children: Lauren, Leslie, Lyden, Annie, Lydia, and Lois. Their household reflected strong extended family integration, including Handel, the son of Laura Ramdhanny Budhlall, and Jack Budhlall, who lived with them.

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The next generation carried forward and expanded the family’s legacy across business, professional, and civic spheres. Lyden Ramdhanny became widely respected as a development expert and business consultant and also served as a government minister during the revolutionary period.

 

Lauren Ramdhanny emerged as a cultural and musical icon in Grenada. Handel was known as an engineer who contributed significantly to infrastructure development, including roads and bridges in Grenada and Carriacou. Lois and Leslie have both played important roles in sustaining and advancing the family’s business interests, including agriculture and enterprise, while also contributing to civic organizations.

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The entrepreneurial spirit of the family has continued into subsequent generations. A granddaughter of Lawrence, Bobbi, has extended the family’s legacy into the international arena through tree-to-bar chocolate production based in the United Kingdom, linking Grenada’s cocoa heritage with global markets.

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The story of the Ramdhanny family is one of evolution from modest beginnings into a multifaceted enterprise grounded in land, trade, and community. It reflects a transition from subsistence agriculture to diversified business leadership, shaped by resilience, family collaboration, and a commitment to national development. Across generations, the family has demonstrated an ability to adapt, expand, and contribute meaningfully to Grenada’s economic, cultural, and civic life, leaving a legacy that continues to influence the country today.

Contributor:
Lauren Ramdhanny