Son of Inshan Ishmael RESPONDS To Viral Video Showing Confrontation At Barakah Grounds

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Zaakir Ishmael, the son of late businessman and activist Inshan Ishmael, issued a statement this afternoon (Tuesday 22nd September, 2026) following the release of a video on social media which shows a heated confrontation involving himself, his wife, his uncle and others at Barakah Grounds, Narsaloo Ramaya Marg Road, Endeavour, Chaguanas. The conflict reportedly revolves around ownership of the grounds, which houses a popular Food Court.

In the video, Zaakir Ishmael is heard saying, “These are my father grounds. This is my family grounds. Not yours. Get the hell out!” He also confronts his uncle (Inshan Ishmael’s brother) in the video.

See Zaakir Ishmael’s full statement below:

“Let me clarify and correct something.

If I made any incorrect statement regarding the grounds in a previous video, I subsequently corrected myself and made it clear that the grounds are for the Muslim community as a whole, and that they were entrusted to my father for the benefit of the Muslim community.

The individual filming this video and choosing to post it on this page is, in fact, my uncle. Many people viewing this may not know the full circumstances or what has been taking place behind the scenes.

From my perspective, while he was present at the grounds, his actions created unnecessary tension and repeated disagreements involving workers and security personnel. Those who were present can speak for themselves regarding what they witnessed.

What is particularly disappointing is seeing situations like this involving people we considered family and close friends for 15-20 years. My father placed tremendous trust in people around him, and after his passing, we have unfortunately seen relationships and attitudes change in ways we never expected.

There is a saying that after someone passes away, you sometimes begin to see people's true colours. I never imagined that members of our own family and people we considered close friends would become part of the conflict we are experiencing today.

As for my uncle, despite everything, I expected better from someone I considered family. His actions have left me deeply disappointed and have seriously damaged the trust and respect I once had for him.

I will continue to speak on what I personally know, correct myself whenever necessary, and stand for what I believe is right while allowing the facts and the people who witnessed these events to speak for themselves.”


Pictured Above: Zaakir Ishmael (left) and Inshan Ishmael (right).

Meanwhile, shortly after the release of the video on social media, Director of The Barakah Foundation, Haseeb Majid, issued the following disclaimer, which notes that Zaakir Ishmael was removed as Chairman/Director of the foundation on 12th August, 2026:

“Assalamu Alaikum and Good afternoon,

We understand that there is a video circulating on social media with our PREVIOUS CHAIRMAN, ZAAKIR ISHMAEL, son of one of our late FOUNDERS, INSHAN ISHMAEL, uttering statements which the Foundation is not in agreement with, and we wish to advise that the views of the said ZAAKIR ISHMAEL are not the views of the BARAKAH FOUNDATION a NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION.

At no point in the life of the late founder did he express or imply that he was the OWNER OF LANDS SITUATED AT NARSALOO RAMAYA MARG ROAD, which is managed by BARAKAH FOUNDATION.

Please note that the Board of Directors are all displeased with the actions of the Former Chairman and wish to advise the Public that ZAAKIR ISHMAEL IS NO LONGER THE CHAIRMAN OR DIRECTOR OF THE FOUNDATION, as he was removed on the 12th day of August, 2026.

PLEASE BE GUIDED ACCORDINGLY.

The BARAKAH FOUNDATION remains committed to the Charitable and Religious purpose for which it was established.”

Inshan Ishmael died at age fifty-seven (57) over a year ago, on 29th August, 2025, after suffering from renal cancer for approximately eighteen (18) months. The announcement was made by his son, Zaakir Ishmael.

More on this as it becomes available.

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