Driver killed in single car accident

| 27/03/2020 | 78 Comments
A&E at the George Town hospital

(CNS) UPDATED: The driver of an SUV pronounced dead at the Cayman Islands hospital Friday morning after the fourth fatal crash on the roads this year so far has been named. He was Sherwayne Garfield Roberts (41) from a Guyana. Police said the smash happened at around 10:30am on the East-West Arterial Newlands by-pass.

No other cars were involved and the man who died was alone in the car. He appears to have been thrown from the vehicle.

During today’s press briefing Police Commissioner Derek Byrne said it is believed that the driver was on his way to a family medical emergency, but that the investigation was still in its early stages.

Given the seriousness of the crash, the RCIPS has asked the public not to share images on social media, especially pictures of the victim, as photos and a video was said to be circulating.

The commissioner noted that the question of why so many people were seen in this video going to the crash scene during curfew was also going to be investigated. Byrne said that there was some debate about whether or not these individuals were all going to render assistance.

This crash is not only the fourth road fatality for 2020 but also for the month of March, which claimed its first victim on the 7th, when a motorcyclist was killed in George Town in a collision with a Mercedes SUV. The driver of a truck died on 4 March, just over a week after he had been involved in a single-vehicle crash in East End. Then on Monday this week, a second motorcyclist was killed on the Hurley Merren Blvd .

In the wake of this fourth fatal crash, police said they had closed the eastbound lane on Rex Crighton Boulevard between Chime Street and Hirst Road, while the westbound lane was closed between Hirst Road and Double Tree Lane to allow officers to investigate the crash.

The Traffic and Roads Policing Unit (TRPU) is leading that investigation and anyone with information is asked to call the office during regular business hours at 649-6254.


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  1. The National Enquirer of the Cayman Islands. says:

    CMR is the National Enquirer of the Cayman Islands. It is a rag not worthy of using to wipe one’s backside. Unvetted reporting is NOT real journalism. Sensationalistic reporting is NOT real journalism. Having an online tit for tat feud with a foul-mouthed woman accused of stealing from her employer is NOT real journalism!

    This is major problem with society today. Too many people getting their “news” from unreliable sources like CMR and Facebook!

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  2. Anonymous says:

    The willingness to assist an accident victim and the desire to gawk are two prominent human traits all over the planet – the second perhaps moreso and necessarily a “bad” thing. It’s rooted in inherent human curiosity of morbidity. However, social media in today’s world has provided a platform for the sharing of scenes of such situations. That is sick!

    But that is not unique to Cayman, so pious ones, please STOP criticizing Caymanians for this! haven’t you seen reality shows from USA & UK which have become successful airing dash-cam videos of accidents and disasters? Isn’t that the same thing?

    Social media has changed and will continue to change our sensibilities and sensitivities as a human race and there is that segment of society in every corner of the world which will continue to feed and feed off the need for gossip and “gutter journalism” and the spreading thereof. Those people will continue to be vile and offend those of us whose morals are perhaps a cut above that.

    But don’t generalize about “the Caymanian or Caribbean way”. People are individuals wherever they come from or wherever they live.

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    • Yep says:

      I’ve had a boss that did this, everything that went wrong on island was somehow exclusive to Cayman and something that only happened here. If someone was late it was “Caymanians are always late to work”. Or it was the “Caymanians are just lazy and don’t want to work”. As if bad workers don’t exist elsewhere on the planet. He once said “Back in Canada this couldn’t happen” when referring to people driving on the phone. Caymanians aren’t genetically predisposed to whatever stereotypes you and your friends create and moan about when behind closed doors! It’s sad when someone comes to your home, and then have such a distaste for the people who live there. Their home is seen through rose colored glasses, and Cayman is full of nothing but uneducated, disrespectful, lazy bums who’d rather sleep on the beach and drink rum all day.

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      • Anonymous says:

        I lived there for 5 years, was half decent then.

        Now Canada is a shit-hole country.

        Lazy people sitting around in parks smoking weed all day, weak economy, weak dollar, and the list goes on.

        This is why we have some much of their riff-raft here running down Cayman.

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      • Go get ‘em. says:

        11:31 am Excellent comment. It should be noted that, back in their home countries, be it Canada, the US, the UK, whatever, it is the blacks/Hispanics/First Nations/Indians/immigrants that are the uneducated, disrespectful, lazy bums. They just need a “those people” to point to, in order to highlight their superiority. Here, they point to us.

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    • Anon says:

      I lived in the UK for decades and I can assure you the desire to stop and gawk is NOT prevalent there like it is here. What is commonplace there is that just about everyone uses their indicators unlike our Caribbean drivers here. This is not gutter journalism it’s saying like it is. Just out of interest how many years have you been driving on UK roads.

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      • Yep says:

        Did it ever occur to you that us being a small island makes it easier to see the flaws? Just YouTube UK car accidents and you’ll see the same thing you saw in Cayman, heartless people onlooking and videotaping a mans last breaths. The UK isn’t some exemption from this, everywhere in the world you will find this. This was just another lazy attempt to discredit Cayman with misinformation and biased opinions. Please, see the world for what is it. There is good and bad everywhere.

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        • Anon says:

          1.33pm I checked and did not see any evidence of bystanders gawking at a dead body. Please tell me exactly what video you have imagined.

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          • Yep says:

            I’ll save my breath. Liveleak.com UK car accidents. The fact I even have to provide proof is laughable. Next you’re gonna say “prove people in the UK take craps”.

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            • Anonymous says:

              Most of us grew up under the English system. We certainly have not perfected the language or being condescending, but it does explain why we don’t speak Russian.

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  3. Anonymous says:

    Cayman Marl Road is doing a disservice to CAYMANIANS! Has anyone politician out that they owner is NOT helping us as a people?

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  4. Gray Matter says:

    How would anyone have images under curfew. If happened in vicinity of a few homes , police could count the amount there and take phone’s

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  5. Anon says:

    The Caymanian way is (absent curfew) to flock and gawp at any serious accident as soon as the grapevine activates.More recently it involves taking photos and circulating on social media, shameful.

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    • Yep says:

      Is it just me or is cayman news service a haven for disgruntled expats to insult Caymanians? Every comment is someone mumbling and moaning about Caymanians. No this isn’t the Caymanian way. This is something that happens everywhere in the world, it’s just the day and age we live in where everyone is out trying to get the next viral video. If you don’t like Caymanians then maybe a place called “Cayman” isn’t the place for you & I don’t mean that in a xenophobic way at all, but at this point its really sad to see people have such a distaste for the natives of the country they flocked to. I know I’ll get disliked to hell because I’m pretty much speaking into a void of people like you but oh well lol had to say something.

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      • Anonymous says:

        It’s just you…

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        • Yep says:

          It doesn’t seem so because the people that actually agrees with me liked my comment. And it’s people like you who disliked it, but that’s fine because I expected to split the room with this comment. What I said still stands, and it’s a harsh truth that had to be said. Caymanians aren’t genetically predisposed to whatever stereotypes you and your friends conjured up about us in your leisure time! Yes they’re bad Caymanians who do and say bad things, but to turn everything that happens in Cayman into “a Caymanian thing” is ridiculous. At this point I’m surprised that the earthquake wasn’t blamed on us as well. “Those fat Caymanians are stomping around again”. The birds could all leave one day and it’ll be “those ugly Caymanians scared away the birds”.

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      • Anon says:

        @ Yep 27/03/2020 at 11:39 pm – nope, it’s not just you, I think so too. Rubber necking isn’t a term that was coined in Cayman. And I notice that so many expats are quick to bash Cayman & our government and are also equally as quick to ask for a handout from us.

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        • Anonymous says:

          I’ve been here about twenty years and found the average Caymanian friendly and easy to get along with……….. but the average politician here lives in Lala land. I have NEVER seen more greedy and/or inept politicians!

      • Anon says:

        11.39 pm It’s only natural to be upset when criticised, but if you don’t hear the truth you will never recognise the problem. To say it happens elsewhere is not an excuse for repulsive behaviour, and it does NOT happen “everywhere in the world”, in some countries perhaps, that’s the point.

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        • Yep says:

          If you read my comment and got the impression that I was somehow trying to excuse any bad behavior then maybe you should re-read it. I said people are insinuating that Cayman is the only place where these things happen, which couldn’t be further from the truth.

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          • Anonymous says:

            Yep. Get a life! You angry!

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          • Anonymous says:

            Get used to it! Caymanians are supposed to let expats talk about them and not say a word, otherwise we are labelled as “angry”. They haven’t seen angry yet…

      • Say it like it is says:

        11.39pm So aren’t you insulting expats?, so many comments hit home which is why you get so upset.
        Try looking at Caymanians insulting expats, just read the comments in the article on Cayman Financial Services for examples. The only difference in these examples is how obviously they are complete fiction, not fact.

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        • Yep says:

          You’re pretty thin skinned if you were insulted by me defending my people. It’s a typical cycle, someone gets insulted, the person defends themselves and then the insulter cries because “oh I didn’t expect anyone to fact check me”. So I’m sorry to bring facts into the conversation, like the fact that these things happen everywhere and the fact that all of you are big boys and girls so if you don’t like living someone, don’t mumble and moan behind closed doors. Get up and change you’re surrounding. No different that someone growing up in a bad neighborhood trying to leave. What I see here is the opposite, people stay and still complain. In no way was I insulting expats, and if that’s all you got out of my comment I suggest a re-read for better clarity. I didn’t mean that in a xenophobic “go back to your country” way. I meant it as a if you don’t like the people or the country you’re living in, then you should strive to live your best life in a place that best suits your lifestyle. I’m sorry if I offended you but here’s a more fleshed out explanation to better illustrate what I meant.

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          • Yep says:

            Correction “don’t like living somewhere” instead of someone

          • Anon says:

            Yep- I have re read, without going through all your tirades, your first comment at 11.31 refers to stereotypes of expats whose views are “Cayman is full of nothing but uneducated disrespectful lazy bums who’d rather sleep on the beach and drink rum all day”.
            I suggest again you read some of the comments from your fellow citizens in the Article on our Financial Services to see the stereotypes of expats as viewed by your own citizens.
            I have lived here a long time and appreciate the opportunities that Cayman and Caymanians have given me, and I have complemented many of them in the media.However, I still reserve the right to criticise where I feel it is warranted, which is something else I appreciate here – the right of free speech.

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            • Yep says:

              As do I have the right to speak freely in my own country so your point is? I didn’t say we are free from criticism I said Caymanians are not genetically predisposed to whatever stereotypes you created! That means we are not all the same, so stop trying to put us all into a group just so things fit your narrative! You said “ your citizens”, even though you live here. You clearly have already separated yourself from the citizens of this island mentally, so I suggest you do so physically before you grow even more and more sick of the island and people. I can’t help the fact that some Caymanians dislike expats, does that make it ok to stereotype us? You pointing your finger to say “see you guys said bad stuff about expats” doesn’t negate the fact that everything I said was the truth. Everything I said was my experience and my truth, call them tirades, rants, incoherent babbling call it what you want. They were all truths. I’m a 21 year old Caymanian, and I’ve already experienced enough of this hate towards Caymanians to my face to be sick of it. I’m sorry to insert some facts into the bubble of lies you created to justify your hate for this island and it’s people.

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        • Yep says:

          Also I checked the article and they’re no comments bashing expats. Maybe you are projecting your own insecurities onto others.

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          • Anon says:

            Yep, maybe when you grow up you will appreciate the truth.Ref your 8.04pm comment saying you cannot see any comments bashing expats here are two extracted verbatim from the article:
            “10.42pm I appreciate your disgusting greed in helping people launder money. No wonder you all have to drink so much to fill that dark hole in your minds”
            “2.52pm Your disgusting greed has contributed to the spread of this virus.
            You yourself denied insulting expats until I quoted your own words.
            I rest my case.

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            • Yep says:

              Those comments you quoted literally don’t mention anything about expats. So yes, rest your case that you never had in the first place. Goodnight.

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  6. Anonymous says:

    Cayman Marl Road is gutter press. And people sharing the pictures are not much better.

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    • Anonymous says:

      I couldn’t agree with you more. I hate that often CMR is a quick source of info while everything lags behind and hence I read it often. That said, the owner/author is a horrible writer who shouldn’t be calling herself a journalist. She has no integrity whatsoever and the only thing holding her accountable is folks that have money to sue her every time she prints something false and damaging (they almost always win and she is forced to apologize but then goes right out and writes again about how it wasn’t her fault).
      On her post of this poor deceased person in the street (not her first btw) almost every comment is shaming her and asking for it to be taken down…to which she does not respond once nor appologize.
      Almost everything she writes is riddled with mistakes and misinformation and fear mongering, and every time people comment telling her to knock it off and shape up she has no response. She delights in the fact that the Compass and other responsible outlets are struggling financially while her joke of a blog continues to be profitable. She makes money off the fact that we keep visiting her garbage site and clicking on the ads. Enough is enough. If I had a million bucks I’d bet she reads this, and says nothing about it (prove me wrong).
      In the meantime I’ve had more than I can take of this stupid CMR and my two cents says we stop reading it 100% or going on it’s advertisers ever. #cancelCMR

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  7. Anonymous says:

    Pictures of the guy circulated on social media ?
    Tells you something about this rotten society we live in.

    Wait untill this your brother sister mother father son or daughter……

    Disgusting people !

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    • Anonymous says:

      So true. Condolences to the family of this man.

      The proprietor of Marl Road should be ashamed of herself. Posting a picture of the victim laying on the road. Absolutely disgusting. Do us all a favor and crawl under a rock and stay there.

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    • Anonymous says:

      It used to be that when one took a motorcycle course, photos of persons who had accidents were shown as a deterrent. One really had to think twice before continuing the course. But we are so soft and pure today, I’m certain this is no longer done. These days we avoid realities while we act on possibilities.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Yes! It was called education! And cayman nope many Caribbean countries find value in it, hence many private schools.

    • Anonymous says:

      Photo of the body is still sitting there on CMR even after roughly 80 people commenting on instagram it should be removed…no response from the great Sandra Hill. Saw a few people getting on this cancelCMR bandwagon…photos of dead bodies is the last straw for me #cancelCMR

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    • Anonymous says:

      Yes. That most people now have cameras. Used to be civilized people watched hangings.

  8. Anonymous says:

    It is so sad for this poor young boy on Cayman’s roads yet again! Whether it’s a curfew or not, you’d have to be a very hard individual not to go to the assistance of such a person in dyer need of help. As a human being with feelings I would not hesitate to help anyone. It could be myself or a member of my family in this situation. I would like to think someone is there for me. May he rest in peace, God bless him and condolences to his family. Such a tragedy!

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    • Yep says:

      The saddest part of it is people did violate curfew…only to film and say stuff like “him head split open”. Then the lady with her child in her arms should be ashamed as well, they all should be arrested for curfew violation. The Jamaican individuals who were filming should be deported to avoid us having to pay for them in jail, they shouldn’t have the privilege of being here if they’re going to break one of the easiest rules yet. Just stay home! How hard is it? Apparently this man who crashed was on the way to help a friend with covid-19 symptoms to the hospital because the hospital told her someone needed to take her to the hospital.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Huh? The hospital told her to get someone to BREAK CURFEW to take them to the hospital? They have ambulances. You are spewing fake news and are just as bad as those who take photos of accidents when they should mind their own business. Despicable.

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        • Yep says:

          Curfew is exempt in emergency situations. She wasn’t dying, she was having symptoms. It’s not crazy to think that the hospital would ask someone who isn’t in dire need of help to make their own way to the hospital instead of having their ambulance pick them up. She didn’t have a vehicle so she apparently called the individual to pick her up and take her. Especially during a time like this, the hospitals are extremely busy with people who have symptoms, so it’s not crazy to think that they didn’t want to use an ambulance in a situation where someone wasn’t in immediate need of care. Also I said apparently, I did not state it as an absolute. I’m sure more will be released about the accident, but for now nothing is confirmed and take everything anyone says with a huge grain of salt. Yes, even me.

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  9. Latifah says:

    Easier said than done. Our natural caribbean instinct is to help. I could not in all good conscience watch someone die when I could have helped them. However, I take your warning as it makes sense in this day and age but I cannot promise you i could refrain from leaving my house to help someone.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Yeah, and carry a child in your arms to gawp at the body. Fine “natural” instinct that is. It is not Caribbean. It is disgusting.

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      • Anonymous says:

        But its still very Caribbean. If the Caribbean elite would stop raping the resources from banking, tourism and insurance and invest it in infrastructure and education the region would benefit in all areas. Google human trafficking Caribbean

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      • Anonymous says:

        At least we don’t go around starting wars and enslaving people. Disgusting.

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        • Anonymous says:

          But have you been to Africa?

          • Anonymous says:

            The subject matter is Caribbean people. Not sure what your asking. All we know is we were stolen from Africa and now you’re asking us if we’ve been there. The answer is – not in quite a while.

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            • Anonymous says:

              You should visit and see how lucky you are to have been the ANCESTOR of the horrible slave trade.

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              • Anonymous says:

                I am here now, thus I can’t possibly “have been the ancestor”. Please use words you understand. Once you do that, try to construct and argument that actually makes sense.

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  10. Anonymous says:

    My condolences to this man’s family.

    Perhaps the police can encourage and reassure the general public that whilst one instinctively wants to respond to such incidents by acting they should refrain from any action what so ever and stay home.
    If necessary make phone calls to the appropriate parties seeking assistance. Persons witnessing such events should also refrain from acting anh any way apart from calling the appropriate parties for a response.

    Think before you act Cayman.

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    • Anonymous says:

      That might be the predictable Cayman way, but I will render first aid assistance when I am needed. If I’m arrested for a humanitarian act, then so be it.
      And I would not be such a morbid and disgusting excuse for humanity as those who allow someone to die without rendering assurance or help, or worse, to video it. What kind of vile individual would stand and film the dying moments of his fellow man without trying to help?
      Don’t lose your humanity in adversity Cayman.

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    • Anonymous says:

      FACT – One dead from car accident when roads are empty. None dead from virus.
      Typically, one will argue there are no deaths from the virus because of the lockdown. Of course, we will never know the truth if there was no lock down.
      Condolences to this man’s family and bless those who tried to assist.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Your facts are wrong. We do have one death from the virus.

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        • Anonymous says:

          The person wasn’t from here!

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          • Anonymous says:

            They died here!!! Who cares where they are from

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            • Anonymous says:

              “I don’t want one single one of my people to die of this disease in Cayman – that’s what we are aiming for,” the premier said.

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            • Anonymous says:

              Me! The person didn’t die from a community spread virus. He also happened to have heart problems. Translation – we maybe be in a decent position to win this battle.

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        • Anonymous says:

          FACT – One is OURS dead from auto accident. No one living in Cayman from Coronavirus.

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        • Anonymous says:

          The person who died here could just as easily have died at the port before or after. He brought the virus with him and thus should not count as a Cayman death.

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        • Anonymous says:

          Actually we don’t. It was recorded as the United Kingdom’s first death.

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        • Anonymous says:

          “I don’t want one single one of my people to die of this disease in Cayman – that’s what we are aiming for,” the premier said.

      • Anonymous says:

        If we could TEST all medical personnel, police officers and other frontline persons you would be surprised by the results.

        Research and think before writing garbage 6:36ppm!

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        • Anonymous says:

          Since you seem to know the answer, what would be the TEST results, exactly? Let me guess, zero to sixty thousand! You have no clue what the results would be and that is a fact!

        • Anonymous says:

          Assuming you’ve done your research, what would the results be?

        • Anonymous says:

          The World Health Organization really could have used your knowledge.

          • Anonymous says:

            All of you “scientists” @ 2:59, 3:33 and 3:36 have proved my point:

            nobody knows!

            So stf and stay home.

            While you at it, stay off this site giving the sheep a false sense of security.

            This, in turn encourages stupid behaviour….

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