Barakah Grounds Under Lockdown Until Further Notice — Tensions Escalate Between Board And Zaakir Ishmael

The Barakah Foundation, which manages the Barakah Grounds at Narsaloo Ramaya Marg Road in Endeavour, Chaguanas, has announced that its premises are currently under lockdown until further notice, as tensions continue to escalate between the Board of Directors of the Foundation and its former Director, Zaakir Saieed Ishmael — son of late businessman and community figure, Inshan Ishmael, who was closely associated with the development of Barakah Grounds. The Foundation previously said that Zaakir was officially removed as a Director on 12th August, 2026.

In a Facebook post this morning (Tuesday 3rd November, 2026), the Barakah Grounds FOOD COURT issued the following statement:

“Please be advised that the Barakah Foundation premises are currently under lockdown until further notice. This action has become necessary to regain control of the premises and remove individuals who were allegedly placed there without proper authority. The decision was taken in the interest of protecting the Foundation, its assets, and ensuring that all operations are conducted lawfully and transparently. We wish to inform the public that the Police were notified before any action was taken, and Police Officers are currently on site to ensure that the situation is handled appropriately. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to members of the public. However, these necessary steps cannot be avoided. It is time to put an end to any alleged fraudulent activities, financial misconduct, and wrongdoing involving the Foundation. Barakah Foundation belongs to the community, not to any individual. We remain committed to protecting its integrity, restoring accountability, and ensuring transparency moving forward.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.”

In response to the lockdown of the premises, Zaakir issued the following statement and accompanying video, as he stood outside of the gates with his workers and tenants — all locked out:

“Imagine the lengths these people are going to now!

My workers, the tenants, and even myself are being prevented from entering the compound. Security on their side is claiming that there are active bomb threats, yet from what I have observed, there is no visible police or bomb squad presence on the compound.

If there is a genuine threat, then where are the relevant authorities? The safety of the public must always come first, but these claims need to be properly verified.

First, we heard allegations about thugs and armed robberies. Now, we are hearing about bomb threats. At what point does this madness stop?

I am calling on the public to open your eyes and pay close attention to what is taking place. What we are witnessing raises serious questions about the actions of this so-called board and whether these restrictions are being used to prevent us from accessing the compound and continuing our parking operations.

This is not how an organization meant to serve the community should be managed!

We deserve transparency, accountability, and answers. Enough is enough!”

Meanwhile, patrons attending the Divali Nagar have been left confused as to whether parking at the Barakah Grounds is free or subject to a fee, following the recent appearance of a sign at the front gate, advertising parking at $20 for the entire night.

In response, the Barakah Grounds FOOD COURT issued the following statement on Monday (2nd November, 2026) to clarify the parking situation:

“Please be advised that the Barakah Foundation is not charging for parking at its grounds. We kindly ask members of the public not to make any payments to anyone claiming to collect parking fees on behalf of the Foundation. Please be aware that any money collected by unauthorized individuals will not be returned to or benefit the Barakah Foundation in any way. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we continue to serve our community.”

The statement did not identify anyone allegedly collecting parking fees or disclose whether any money had already been collected.

The warning adds another dimension to the ongoing disagreement over who is duly authorized to manage activities and collect money at the premises.

More on this as it becomes available.

This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.

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