He’s the other Dean in the UDP camp – but we’ll venture to say that city councilor Dean Samuels has taken more of a pounding in the media than his leader Dean Barrow. And that’s because in July of last year, Samuels got caught up in a misunderstanding at a local nightclub. When it happened, it was a sensation, an elected official accused of drunken gunplay. But when it ended today, it was a very different story.
Jules Vasquez Reporting,
In July, he covered his face in shame as he entered the courtroom but today much defamed UDP Councilor Dean Samuels gave a hearty thumbs up as he came down from the courtroom. He was clear of all charges. His attorney and UDP colleague Michael Peyrefitte defended him.
Michael Peyrefitte, Attorney for Samuels
“The disclosure showed that Mr. Samuels had no levels of alcohol in his blood or in his urine and blood to substantiate the charge that they brought against him initially. And in addition to that, a swab was done on both his hands to determine whether or not there was the presence of gun powder residue which would, at the very least, show that he fired a shot from a firearm. The
evidence, the certificate came back negative, showing that Mr. Samuels fired no shots at the time that they swabbed him or even little before that. So all in all we came to court today for trial and there was absolutely no evidence against that could support any of the charges brought against Mr. Samuels.”
So he’s free and cleared of all charges and today when he dropped by our studios, Samuels was exuberant.
Dean Samuels, Belize City Councilor
“Jules it feels good. From the get go Jules this situation was very politically motivated. A bunch of bogus charges were levied on me. As far as I am concerned Jules, this was strictly a witch hunt done by the PUP so that they can run their propaganda campaign, they defamed my character and this was just a situation that they used to exploit.”
Jules Vasquez,
How much of what you feel is victimization, was based on the fact that it is fairly easy to exploit in this society and this media climate, that a young black man was firing a gun recklessly?
Dean Samuels,
“Exactly. That is exactly what this government used; they ran with it. You saw it Jules in their Belize Times, the way these guys ran with this story. At the end of the day, they even had a picture of a mug shot with me showing it in the papers, running commercials, and calling me a criminal which was never proven.”
Jules Vasquez,
Dean what happened out there on that night?
Dean Samuels,
“Jules there was an unfortunate altercation. Nothing, nothing in no way…we are all human beings, we all make mistakes, but it was nothing in no way for these bogus charges.”
Bogus charges but a very real perception and Samuels says he’s learned, he’s not going to celebrate his victory with a few pints at a local club.
Jules Vasquez,
Have you learnt from this?
Dean Samuels,
“No ifs nor but about that Jules. I learnt to, you know what happen, keep away from situations and places that you can get into problems and people can spread propaganda and defame your character.”
Samuels faced four charges after complainant Reece Rudon refused to press the charge of aggravated assault with a weapon. And as we said, all those charges were thrown out today. No word yet on whether Samuels will be given back the portfolios of traffic and special events. But he says he reserves his options on seeking legal redress against those who he claims have defamed him.
