TRIBUTES continue to pour from various sectors following the death of Member of Parliament for D’Abadie/O’Meara and Minister in the Ministry of Education Lisa Morris-Julian who perished in a fire on Monday morning along with her two children ages 25 and six.
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley:
“My family and I are devastated at the awful tragedy that took the lives of Lisa and her children. We extend our deepest condolences to the entire Morris-Julian clan as we join Arima and the national community in coming to grips with this shocking reality that we have lost more than we think we can bear.
“Lisa was family to all of us, humble and caring. Only just over 24 hours ago she and her husband shared the Christmas spirit with a wide cross section of the national community who attended our annual Christmas celebration.
“To have her and her children snatched away under such horrible circumstances makes today one of the saddest days of my life.”
Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar:
“The nation awoke to the horrific news of the tragic passing of MP Lisa Morris-Julian and her two relatives earlier this morning.
“As a colleague and as a Trinbagonian, I join with the national community in offering my prayers and condolences to the family and friends of Lisa and her relatives.
“It is my sincere wish that all those whose lives were touched by Lisa and her relatives find comfort and strength at this most difficult time.”
The Government of Trinidad and Tobago:
“It is with a profound sense of sadness that we announce the passing of Minister in the Ministry
of Educa on, the Hon Lisa Morris-Julian, MP.
“The Government of Trinidad and Tobago extends our deepest condolences to her family, loved ones and Constituents at this me and will keep them in our collective thoughts and prayers.
“Minister Morris-Julian was a former Mayor of the Royal Chartered Borough of Arima and served
as the First Lady Vice Chair of the PNM’s National Women’s League.
“She was elected as Member of Parliament for D’Abadie/ O’Meara in 2020 and was nominated unopposed and selected as the Proposed Candidate for the 2025 General Election.
“In 2020, she was appointed as the Minister in the Minister of Education by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley.
“Lisa will always be remembered fondly not only as an unrelenting voice for her Constituency, the Government and the PNM but also for her love and support for her family and the countless lives she touched.”
People’s National Movement:
“It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by the tragic loss of Mrs. Lisa Morris-Julian, who was taken from us today in a house fire, along with her two beloved children.
Mrs. Morris-Julian was not just a remarkable public servant and political figure but also a true champion for the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
“Her tireless contributions across various sectors, particularly in Local Government, left an indelible mark on our nation.
“As Mayor of Arima, she dedicated herself to uplifting her community, focusing on youth engagement, empowerment, and fostering local entrepreneurship. Her work was driven by a deep love for her people and a desire to build stronger, more resilient communities.”
AMCHAM T&T:
“AMCHAM T&T joins the nation in mourning the tragic passing of Lisa Morris-Julian, Minister in
the Ministry of Education, and her two children, who lost their lives in a devastating early morning
fire today.
“Words cannot capture the deep sorrow and pain felt over this heartbreaking news. Our thoughts and
prayers are with her family, constituents, parliamentary colleagues, and all who are grieving this loss.
“Today, we mourn the passing of a dedicated leader, beloved mother, public servant, and cherished
member of our community.”
The Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SporTT):
“The Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SporTT) extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and constituents of Lisa Morris-Julian, Member of Parliament for D’Abadie/O’Meara, following her tragic passing along with two family members on Monday.
“Lisa Morris-Julian was a passionate advocate for community development and a steadfast supporter of initiatives that empowered individuals and strengthened communities. Her commitment to the Pink Reign and Shape in Communities programmes under the Ministry of Sport and Community Development, as well as her endorsement of SporTT’s “I Choose Sport” initiative, reflected her belief in the transformative power of sport and community engagement.
“Her unwavering dedication to fostering a brighter future for her constituents and her drive to inspire positive change will not be forgotten. We mourn this immense loss and stand in solidarity with all who are grieving her passing.”
Dr Omardath Maharaj:
“I will remember Lisa for her leadership in grassroots engagement and advocacy. In many conversations, she was the family and household personified. She was a tireless supporter of initiatives that uplifted communities across Trinidad and Tobago.
“As the Mayor of Arima, Lisa demonstrated her belief in entrepreneurship and women’s economic empowerment. Within that period, I was unemployed. Her Worship, at that time, reached out and supported my wife as a breadwinner and entrepreneur. Lisa would purchase decorated cookie baskets and other baked treats for activities with her staff and burgesses in various community-based activities. She provided meaningful encouragement and visibility to local small businesses, whenever possible. Even until recently, she would often ask me probing questions about how we can similarly inspire other families to find their pathways to earn respectable livelihoods.
“In those years, and until now as Member of Parliament, her engagement with our Breadfruittrees.com initiative, lead by my comrade Raul Bermudez, which focuses on promoting food security and sustainable agriculture through the planting and utilization of breadfruit trees, was a testament to her unwavering commitment to inclusive development and community empowerment.”
