Popular businessman, television personality and community activist Inshan Ishmael spent last night in prison. Ishmael, 49, who hosts Breaking Barriers on his Islamic Broadcast Network (IBN) on Channel 8, was granted $300,000 bail around 3 pm by a Justice of the Peace on three firearm-related charges.
However, it was too late for his documents to be processed at the Chaguanas Magistrates’ Court.
His lead attorney Keith Scotland complained in open court that his client had surrendered at the police station since 7 am to avoid such a situation from occurring. In a show of support, several of Ishmael’s supporters and family members gathered in front of the Chaguanas Police Station and the court.
The charges arose from an incident on April 2 on the ASJA compound at Caroni Savannah Road, Charlieville, where it is alleged Ishmael brandished a gun at a man. The charges alleged that he was in possession of a firearm and ammunition to endanger life and that he also unlawfully committed common assault on Raffique Mohammed. Court prosecutor Sgt Cleon John first recommended summary trial, which meant Ishmael would be asked to enter a plea. John, however, changed his mind, saying he would have to get instructions on how to proceed with the matters. The charges were laid by Sgt Mohammed.
In asking for bail, Scotland said the essence of his client’s life has been service to his country. He said Ishmael operated IBM for the past 12 years, had no previous convictions and is a community activist at Chaguanas and Bamboo Village. Married with three children, Scotland said there was a video from hurricane-ravaged Dominica showing Ishmael organising over 500 tonnes of goods to go to the country. The prosecutor did not object to bail, but indicated that the house at the address given by the accused was under construction. Ishmael said it was being refurbished and gave another address in Caroni.
Complaining that his client surrendered at 7 am, he said they were trying to avoid a situation like this where the court closes before Ishmael’s bail could be processed.”I am aggrieved. It is unfortunate that this occurred,” said Scotland.
Speaking with reporters afterwards, Scotland said bail is not processed after 3 pm at the court so his client would likely have to “ride the bus.”
"However, he (Ishmael) was in good spirits because he is aware that his team, which also includes attorneys Arden Williams and Rajkavir Singh, is working," Scotland added. The matter will be called again on November 24.
Ishmael subsequently posted bail last night and was not in prison.