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Day: 20 August 2021

Red Cross releases €100,000 to Afghanistan

by: Stephanie Horsman
20/08/2021

The Monaco Red Cross has announced the release of special emergency funds to assist in humanitarian efforts being made on the ground in the war-torn state of Afghanistan.

As news of the Taliban returning to power in Afghanistan hits fever pitch, people around the world are worrying about the humanitarian implications that could be imposed by the regime, the Monegasque Red Cross amongst them.

At the request of Prince Albert II, President of the Red Cross, the organisation has released €100,000 in funds to be sent to the country.

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent movement (ICRC) work together to get involved in armed conflicts with the intention of protecting civilian non-combatants. In the case of Afghanistan, many associations are pulling out, but the Red Cross has vowed to remain and does not plan to reduce their presence.

They are focusing heavily on the needs of those who have been injured in the fighting.

“Our medical teams and our physical rehabilitation centres expect to receive more patients in the coming months and years, victims of the explosive devices that litter the country, many of whom have been planted in recent weeks. We are shocked to see so many children, young women and young men, pouring into our centres that these weapons have mutilated,” said Robert Mardini, director general of the ICRC, in a statement.

The Monegasque Red Cross is in perfect alignment with the ICRC, stating, “The operational focus is currently on health activities, especially for people wounded by weapons of war, and the dialogue concerning the impact of the current fighting on the civilian population.”

Additional donations are welcome and can be made directly on the website at www.croix-rouge.mc

 
Photo ICRC
 
 

Monaco relaxes health pass rule

by: Stephanie Horsman
20/08/2021

The new mandate that health passes be required to enter bars and restaurants from Monday 23rd August will not be extended to Monaco residents and employees who wish to dine outside on terraces.

There are few things nicer than eating al fresco on a summer’s day, and now, for residents and employees in Monaco, there is the added bonus of not needing to present a health pass to do so, despite the new regulation coming into effect on 23rd August requiring one for entry to bars and restaurants.

The government cites a lower risk of contamination outdoors as the reasoning behind the decision, one that has been backed by the National Council via the Joint Monitoring Committee. The government makes a point of reminding people this is an ever-evolving situation, though, and the rules can be changed as and when they deem it necessary.

In addition to allowing residents a pass on the regulation for terraces, those who work, live or go to school in Monaco aged 16 and 17 will not be required to show a pass until 23rd September, allowing them an additional month to get vaccinated.

Meanwhile, the health pass will not be compulsory for 12 to 15-year-olds, unlike what is practiced in France.

“These measures illustrate the discernment that must be constantly exercised in order to adapt to the particular situation of our country,” said the National Council in a statement, adding “Indeed, our epidemic and hospital situation does not require an automatic alignment with the measures taken by neighbouring countries.”

Mask-wearing is still compulsory, as well as adhering to other barrier gestures such as social distancing. There is also strong advice for those returning from summer holidays, particularly those who are school-aged, to be tested and vaccinated upon return from abroad to help keep numbers in check.

 
 
Photo by Monaco Life
 
 

Set the date: Princess Charlene's charity golf tournament

by: Stephanie Horsman
20/08/2021

The second edition of the Princess of Monaco Cup golf tournament will take place in September at the prestigious Monte-Carlo Golf Club and end in the iconic Casino Square.  

The Monte-Carlo Golf Club, with its stunning location nestled between the sea and the mountains, is the place to be on 16th September for the 2nd Princess of Monaco Cup golf tournament.

On Wednesday 15th September, there will be a cocktail party at the Yacht Club of Monaco where the teams will be selected. The following day is the main event at the golf club, where a welcome coffee will be served before the tournament begins. Afterward, participants will be treated to a lunch at the Club House. This is followed up with a special “19th hole”, which takes place on Casino Square.

The event’s format is known as The Scramble. This informal and friendly form of the game is played by team. At the start of each hole, every player takes a shot. The team then chooses the ball that is best positioned and continues from this spot. The other balls are collected and placed at the designated location to be played. This goes for every hole until all 18 are played.

The charity event will benefit Fight AIDS Monaco’s Maison de Vie, Etafeni Day Care Centre Trust and the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation’s Aqwa Itineris and Project Bhasa.

The beneficiaries of the event are all causes close to the Princess’s heart.

Maison de Vie was opened in 2004 to help people live better with HIV and has 1,300 residents, including children, who can take advantage of the facility’s programmes aimed at restoring health.

The Etafeni Day Care Centre Trust, located in Nyanga Slum, Cape Town South Africa, was created to assist AIDS-affected children aged 3 to 14, most of whom are orphans.

Aqwa Itineris is a portable facility for remote areas without access to public swimming pools and lessons, offering children as young as three a chance to get in the water and learn to swim.

Finally, Project Bhasa, based in Bangladesh, helps 5,000 children aged six to 10 learn to swim, reducing fatal drownings in rural areas. The programme also trains swim instructors, so that long-term lessons can be given to ensure kids will continue to learn water safety.

 
 
Photo of Prince Albert with last year’s winners of the Princess of Monaco Cup, source the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation