Authorities have reported a new Covid-related death in the Principality, the fourth Monegasque to succumb to the virus since the beginning of the new year.
The government revealed in its daily Covid count on Tuesday that a 75-year-old woman who tested positive for Covid-19 and was being treated at the CHPG had died that morning.
The news follows the death of a 72-year-old Monegasque male on 10th January, an 82-year-old resident on 6th January, and a 92-year-old on 2nd January.
It brings to seven the total number of people who have died from Covid in Monaco since the epidemic began, the majority occurring in the first weeks of January 2021.
The government also reported 26 new confirmed coronavirus cases on Tuesday 12th January, bringing the overall total to 1,092.
There are 26 patients being treated in the Princess Grace Hospital Centre. Of those, nine patients are in ICU, six of whom are residents of the Principality.
124 people who tested positive for Covid and are experiencing mild symptoms are being home monitored.
Businesses in Monaco looking for a digital overhaul will have up to 70% of the project paid for by the government in an economic recovery package designed to help companies reach their full digital potential.
The initiative forms part of the Extended Monaco programme and is supported through the Blue Fund, which is aimed at promoting economic recovery in the Principality via digital technology.
Any Monegasque company is eligible for the subsidy.
“We are not just talking about e-commerce here,” Georges Gambarini, Smart City Programme Manager, tells Monaco Life. “Perhaps you employ 25 people and need someone to help you deploy an accounting software; maybe you need to create a safe and secure website; or you are a lawyer looking to use digital signatures… There are a lot of possibilities.”
There is a very simple criteria that needs to be met. Companies must be registered in the Principality, be able to prove that they operate genuine business in Monaco, and that they have carried out a ‘digital maturity self-assessment’ on the EME platform.
“The EME platform allows you to assess your situation and to identify areas that you need to work on,” says Mr Gambarini. “Then you put in a proposal for your project. The idea is to subsidise between 30% and 70% of the total project, while the company fills in the gap so they are involved in the project, which is important.”
To be accepted, the digital project must serve a clear purpose: to improve the customer experience, improve productivity, or to launch new economic models like a local marketplace platform or service on the sovereign cloud.
“We need to create a cluster of competence and knowledge in Monaco,” says Mr Gambarini. “We need to help companies in their digital transition, but we also need to support local companies who provide digital services, so they can grow and become more robust, and Monaco can in turn grow its ecosystem.”
The government is expected to launch online webinars to help explain the initiative and the potential of digital.
For more information on the Blue Fund initiative, click here.
Prince Albert has addressed world leaders at the One Planet Summit in France’s capital, saying that the preservation of seas and forests is the preservation of humanity.
Prince Albert was in Paris for the One Planet Summit on Monday, organised by France and hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. The environmental action meeting brought together more than 30 heads of state, government officials and leaders of international organisations, some via video conference, to discuss strategic plans and programmes in place or under development to protect the planet.
During the session dedicated to the protection of marine and terrestrial areas, Prince Albert highlighted the two initiatives developed in the Mediterranean with the support of his Foundation: the MedFund, dedicated to the preservation of marine protected areas, and Beyond Plastic Med – BeMed, which focusses on the fight against plastic pollution.
“To act for the preservation of the seas and forests is to act for the survival of humanity,” said the Prince. Photo: Prince Albert sits next to French President Emmanuel Macron and other world leaders at the One Planet Summit in Paris on Monday, source Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation
President Emmanuel Macron announced that the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, which was launched in 2019 by Costa Rica, France and Britain to set a target of protecting at least 30% of the planet by 2030, has now been joined by 50 countries.
The UK’s Prince Charles made an “urgent appeal” for private sector leaders to back the Terra Carta, or Earth Charter, which encourages businesses to get on track with sustainability and eco-friendly practices.
But the enthusiasm shown by leaders was slightly underscored by the challenge of how all these projects would be realised financially. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said there was a deficit of €5.85 billion per year for projects that are trying to meet biodiversity targets by 2030.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has committed £3 billion (€3.35 billion) to climate change programmes and Canada’s Justin Trudeau offered $55 million (€45.26 million) to the UN Land Degradation Neutrality Fund.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen pledged that the EU would devote “several hundred million euros” to research pertaining to biodiversity, animals and health, adding that the EU will be introducing new laws to restrict products harmful to the environment by the end of the year.
The one-day summit focused on four major topics: protecting terrestrial and marine ecosystems; promoting agroecology, a more sustainable way to grow food; increasing funding to protect biodiversity; and identifying links between deforestation and the health of humans and animals.
It served as a prelude to the upcoming COP26 Summit on climate, the COP15 Summit on biodiversity, and the COP15 Summit on desertification, which are all scheduled for later this year.
A side conference on Monday focused on investment for Africa’s Great Green Wall project, which involves efforts to stop the Sahara Desert from spreading further south. Launched in 2007, it aims to plant an arc of trees running 7,000 kilometres across Africa — from Senegal along the Atlantic all the way to Djibouti on the Gulf of Aden.
Another initiative involves a new coalition of Mediterranean countries working to better protect the sea from pollution and overfishing.
Photo source: Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation
Monaco’s annual luxury car show, Top Marques, has been postponed from June to September, with organisers citing health and safety reasons.
Monaco’s love affair with cars is well-known and well-documented. Part of this affair culminates in the yearly classic and super car showcase, Top Marques.
The event was originally scheduled for 9th to 13th June, but organisers announced on Monday that they have decided to postpone until 1st September “because of the ongoing health situation and absence of any visibility in the evolution of the Covid-19 pandemic.”
“The Top Marques team has been working very hard over recent months on our 17th edition, and we look forward to welcoming you to Monaco in September 2021. Many surprises will await you there,” said Salim Zeghdar, CEO of Top Marques Monaco, in a statement on the event’s website.
Opening day, Wednesday 1st September, will feature a “preview” cocktail evening where people can check out the latest and greatest from industry heavy-hitters such as Pagani, Koenigsegg, Apollo, Dallara, McLaren, Ferrari, Aston Martin and other supercar constructers from around the globe.
New for 2021 will be a hall entirely dedicated to classic sportscars from the 1950’s to 90’s.
When the United Kingdom officially left the European Union on 1st January 2021, the concept of intra-community transactions between Monaco and the UK, which are exempt of VAT, ended.
The Monaco government on Tuesday attempted to clarify the situation, releasing a statement that defines the differences between intra-community transactions and import and export operations, and highlights what is now required.
“Unlike intra-community operations, import and export operations require the filing of specific declarations with the Directorate of Customs and Indirect Rights when carrying out the operations in question.
On exportation, the exemption from value added tax (VAT) must be justified in accordance with the provisions of article A-52 of the annex to the code of turnover taxes. On importation, the VAT must be calculated in accordance with the provisions of article 83 of the aforementioned code.
As a result, transactions with the United Kingdom from January 1, 2021 will no longer require the filing of European declarations for services and/or trade in goods. In addition, Monegasque companies that do not carry out taxable transactions in the United Kingdom can request a refund of the VAT incurred for the acquisition of goods or services in the United Kingdom for the year 2020 via the e-RMB-EU service until March 31, 2021 while respecting, as previously, the specific reimbursement rules set out in Council Directive 2008/9/CE of February 12, 2008.
This procedure, reserved for liable taxable persons, is however no longer applicable for requests for reimbursement of VAT incurred in the United Kingdom from January 1, 2021. These must be sent directly to the British tax authorities according to a legal procedure planned by the UK.
For any further details, you can contact Mr. Olivier BIGARD: 98.98.81.43”
At just 22 years of age, Olivia Dorato has released two albums, one EP and is waiting for the right time to introduce the world to her third album. She produced 17 songs during a global pandemic and has become the voice of Monaco’s heroes at the forefront of the health crisis. Monaco Life caught up with the young Monegasque to talk about her brave decision to move away from a predictable life in law to the very uncertain and exciting life of a singer/songwriter. Monaco Life: Have you always had a passion for music? What are your earliest memories of enjoying music?
Olivia Dorato: I think so. My parents tell me I used to sing rather than talk. There was a decisive moment when I was playing a game with my best friend and sister and I wrote a song titled ‘Rigoler’ (Nothing). I realised at that exact moment that I was actually a song writer, that I had something in me that makes me want to produce, create and compose music. I was around eight years old at the time. Did you go on to study to music or singing?
I never studied music at school. I have always just taken my guitar and played something every day for at least one hour, to train and be the best I can be. That is why I believe that what I have is a real gift. But I have also worked very hard to be where I am. What is it about the process of writing songs and composing music that you love?
I think music is really something that makes me happy. Without music I feel my life would have no real meaning. I am lucky to have found something that makes me happy every single day.
Did you always want to make a career out of music?
I actually studied to be a lawyer at university. Even when I received my law degree in 2019, I knew that music was my entire life. I tried to find the strength to do music full time, and it was pretty hard and I felt guilty of course, but I did it. And honestly, it is the best decision I have ever made. That’s a very brave move. Did your parents support you in that decision?
I am so lucky because without them, nothing would have happened. My parents were very understanding and they were the ones who told me: “Olivia, if music makes you happy, just do it. Now is the right time, and if you don’t try it you will regret it for the rest of your life. Even if you fail, you will have tried and that is the most important part.” So, I did. How old were you when you released your first album?
I released my first album at 14, then I released my second one at 17. I had a pause for my studies, and now my new EP has just been released. How has your music evolved over the years, from that first album to this latest EP?
When I listen to my first album now, I can really see the improvement and the evolution of my music. And although I may think “Oh my god, that is terrible”, to be honest I wouldn’t change a thing. Of course, the vocals are better now, the music is better, and the quality of the production is better. Which is fortunate, I guess. Photo of Olivia Dorato by Christophe Paitrault Who are your influences in music?
(Laughing) I am a huge fan of Justin Bieber, because of the quality of his production and the fact he always tries to stand out from other artists. But Harry Hudson has been the biggest inspiration over the past few years. He overcame cancer and he actually gave me the strength to put my studies on hold and try my luck in music. I also like Charlie Puth because he is a genius, and also Billie Eilish because she really has her own thing going on and she’s in her own universe. You produce songs in both English and French. Do you write and compose differently for each language?
For me, it has always been easier to write in English, because the words come easier. In French, you always have to be so serious. For example, in English you can say: “Butterfly, fly away”, but in French that sounds silly. I really like to write in English but if I want to be famous in France, I have to write in French. So, I make songs in both languages, and I think I have found a good balance between the two. You were awarded l’Artiste de Monaco 2020 in November, produced and sang ‘Love the Ocean’ for the OceanoScientific project, and also wrote and performed a song about frontline workers during the Covid epidemic. How did this last collaboration come about?
I was contacted a few months ago by one of the Prince’s Carabinier, Major Olivier Drean, and asked if I could do something for the National Day celebration. He wanted me to write a song about all the people who have been working hard during the crisis, and I said ‘sure that’s a great idea’. I love to use my music to help others and shine a light on them.
The idea was to play the song live on National Day in front of the Palace, and until the very last moment we thought it was possible. But then I got a call that said we couldn’t do it because of everything going on, so we shot a music video instead, which in itself was an enormous task.
You must feel very patriotic to be able to do this for your country?
I feel so proud that they chose me to do this. I feel very lucky and happy to be able to show that Monaco has an existence through music. I really want to grow that perspective of Monaco, and this is the first step. I am extremely proud to be Monegasque. What is next for Olivia Dorato?
I would like to release an album which I have already recorded. Initially, the release of the EP was planned for June 2020 but the recording couldn’t be done because of lockdown. So, when it was lifted, I recorded 17 tracks in the studio in almost a month, which is incredible. But I have to wait for the right time to release the album because the music world is struggling now, and it’s quite frustrating. So, the album is planned for release in 2021, but I have no specific date yet. Where do you see yourself in the next few years?
I see myself touring the world and living for my music. I see myself on stage, writing songs, having a family, being happy and doing what I love, and still trying to help people with my gift.
Top photo of Olivia Dorato by Christophe Paitrault
