DAREECE POLO
Senior Reporter
dareece.polo@guardian.co.tt
It was a bittersweet moment for members of the government and the Arima community when the legacy of late D’Abadie/O’Meara MP Lisa Morris-Julian, was etched onto the very streets she once served.
Near the heart of her beloved constituency, a new name now graces what was once known as O’Meara Road.
Lisa Morris-Julian Boulevard was officially commissioned yesterday, serving as a tribute to the late MP’s unwavering dedication. The ceremony took place on the compound of the Ministry of Works and Transport (MOWT), Highways Division, marking a poignant moment for those in attendance.
According to the MOWT, the upgraded thoroughfare now includes a jug handle at the Churchill-Roosevelt Highway and Lisa Morris-Julian Boulevard intersection for smoother turns; an efficient roundabout at the intersection of Lennox Yearwood Boulevard and Lisa Morris-Julian Boulevard to improve traffic movement; a wider roadway, now expanded to four lanes for a seamless driving experience; and enhanced drainage and aesthetics for a modern, safer, and more beautiful commute.
Morris-Julian’s husband, Daniel, was presented with a plaque and a replica of the street sign.
At the centre of the roundabout, beneath the gaze of loved ones, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and Julian unveiled a plaque—a symbol of remembrance and a promise that her legacy will endure.
“We continue to talk about her. We continue to miss her, but in naming this connector road in her honour, it is said that once you are remembered, you are not dead. And if that is so, then Lisa Morris-Julian will remain among us and generations to come,” Rowley said, acknowledging the sadness of the occasion.
Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan described the ceremony as an emotional moment.
“I am a little bit sad that Lisa is not here this morning to witness this memorable day for us here in Arima. However, I’m sure she will be looking down on us, and she will be very proud of the way the project came out,” he said
One of Morris-Julian’s political mentors, former PNM general secretary Ashton Ford, welcomed the tribute.
“For me, I am happy. I think it is a fitting tribute because that was one of her major, major projects during her tenure and Lisa’s name will live forever because the road has been converted to a boulevard, and for this, we are pleased,” he said.
The event began with prayers led by Chief of the Santa Rosa First Peoples, Ricardo Bharath Hernandez. Morris-Julian, a descendant of the First Peoples, was honoured with traditional blessings.
Performances followed from various cultural groups, including rhythm section One Band One Sound, a tassa group and the Malabar Secondary School steel orchestra. Entertainment was also provided by the son of Lord Kitchener, Kernal “Kitch” Roberts.
Morris-Julian’s family was visibly moved by the tribute, with her daughter, Anya, seen weeping as the plaque was unveiled. She was comforted by her father, Prime Minister Rowley and Energy Minister Stuart Young.
Morris-Julian died in a house fire on December 16, along with two of her children, six-year-old Jesiah and 25-year-old Xianne.
A report on the Fire Service’s response to the blaze—led by a committee chaired by former chief fire officer Roosevelt Bruce—was submitted to the Ministry of National Security on January 14. However, the findings have not been made public.
The National Security Ministry has also initiated a probe into the fire.