15 ° C
Profile

Day: 17 March 2022

Prince Albert and twins mark St. Patrick’s day at Irish Library

by: Cassandra Tanti
17/03/2022

Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, dressed in bright green outfits, have celebrated their Irish roots with their father Prince Albert at the Princess Grace Irish Library in Monaco.

The library hosted the special event on Wednesday 16th March, a day early, with pupils from the music academy ‘Fondation Prince Rainier III de Monaco’ and Director Jade Sapolin. A harpist, three harpsichordists and a singer regaled the audience with traditional Irish airs, including the famous Molly Malone tune, music by Irish composer Turlough O’Carolan, and arrangements by Janet Harbison, Ireland’s award-winning ‘Queen of the Harp’.

The afternoon ended with a presentation of apple tarts, decorated with shamrocks, made by pupils from the Lycée Technique and Hôtelier de Monaco.

Guests also viewed a photo exhibition of the 2021 visit to Ireland by Prince Albert and his children, which has been extended until 30th April. Director of the Library Paula Farquharson recalled that the trip included a ceremony at Trinity College Dublin, where a frieze was unveiled with the name of H.S.H. Prince Albert II as a benefactor. The Prince’s donation contributes to the restoration project of Trinity’s ‘Old Library’. A working library since 1732, it is home to over 200,000 ancient books, including the celebrated ‘Book of Kells’.

Photo by Eric Mathon, Prince’s Palace

On the official St. Patrick’s Day, Thursday 17th March, the library is hosting a pop-up for visitors, who are encouraged to soak up the Irish ambiance, view the collection, listen to traditional Irish music, and watch films about Ireland.

The Princess Grace Irish Library was inaugurated on 20th November 1984 by Prince Rainier III of Monaco as a tribute to his wife Princess Grace and the attachment she felt for her Irish origins. Her grandfather John Kelly was born in county Mayo in Ireland in 1847 and, at 20 years of age, set sail for America. Among the library’s collections is Princess Grace’s personal collection of Irish books and Irish-American sheet music, as well as photos and art works.

The library is under the aegis of the Princess Grace Foundation. Caroline Princess of Hanover serves as its president, and Prince Albert II as vice president.

 

 

 

Monaco’s economic rebound of 2021

by: Stephanie Horsman
17/03/2022

A Q4 report by the Principality’s statisticians IMSEE shows that Monaco’s revenue, excluding financial and insurance activities, exceeded €16 billion in 2021 for the first time ever, while the average property price per square metre hit a new milestone of €52,000.

The year 2021 will be noted as one of economic recovery in Monaco after a year that was hugely impacted by the Covid crisis. As uncertainty and fear was slowly replaced by a desire to “get on with it” again, the economic situation in the Principality saw a distinct upturn in most areas.

By December 2021, the overall volume of trade, excluding that with France, was up by +23% to €2.9 billion. This remains lower than before the crisis, but the signals are indeed positive.

Imports grew more than exports, with €336 million coming in versus €213 million going out, causing a trade balance deficit of -€634 million. That being said, the volume of the Principality’s exports hit €1.1 billion in 2021, nearing its historical high set in 2019.

For the first time since 2012, imports from outside the European Union were higher than inside. This was driven by the manufacturing of “other industrial products” and “other services” activities. Notably, imports from the UK nearly tripled, making it Monaco’s second largest non-EU importing partner.

Meanwhile, a fifth of all trade is with Italy, Monaco’s leading trade partner.

The goods most traded in 2021 were jewellery and musical instruments, at €409 million, a +61.8% rise, plastic goods, up +37.8% for a total of €233.million, and automotive construction products at €109 million, down an insignificant -0.2%.

Monaco’s revenue, excluding financial and insurance activities, exceeded €16 billion in 2021 for the first time ever. Wholesale trade saw a massive +20.9% growth to +€889.2 million. Over two-thirds of this growth is down to the growth of intermediaries.

The automotive trade, clothing retailers and watch and jewellery sellers are driving retail trade, rebounding +25.4% to +€390.2 million in 2021 over the previous year. It is, however, the return of sports activities, gambling and betting activities that has shown the strongest relative growth in 2021, up by +43.3% to +€224.6 million. Revenue remains lower than in 2019, though at €743 million compared to €938.6 million.

Transport and storage also came back strong and were close to pre-pandemic levels, as were manufacturing, mining, and other industries.

Accommodation and food services were still lower than pre-pandemic times, but were up by +36.4%, showing positive progress. Moderate gains in scientific and technical activities and construction were seen and a good showing for information and communication in 2021 saw that sector exceed 2019 levels with a +17.1% growth.

Only real estate saw a decline of -€335 million, or -32.5%, though transactions increased by +7.1%. With 23 transactions equalling €236 million, the new build market grew more in volume (+43.8%) than in value (+7.8%). The resale market exceeded 400 transactions to over €2 billion. The average price per square metre hit a milestone, going above €50,000 for the first time to nearly €52,000.

By fourth quarter 2021, an inflow of roughly €1.8 billion, combined with positive market impact and currency effects, resulted in an increase in assets under management to rise by +4.5% over the year.

Private sector jobs totalled 56,999 in 2021, over 2,000 more than the previous year. This number is higher than 2019 levels, beating it out by 128 jobs. The number of employees was up in all sectors, except accommodation and food service, with the largest growth in “other services”, which gained 730 jobs.

Nine million more hours were worked in 2021 than in 2020, up 11.2%, with accommodation and food services, scientific and technical activities and admin and support leading the charge.

New business creation was also up, with 825 versus 763 in 2020, but remained lower than in 2019.

Hotel occupancies also bounced back, though not to pre-pandemic levels. On a positive note, the rate increased each month from March 2021, with the autumn being the strongest months.

Finally, at the end of 2021, new vehicle registrations were up +21% and were almost back to pre-crisis levels. Public car park usage was up by +12% but still below 2019 levels.

 

 

Photo by Monaco Life

 

 

 

Meet the new Ambassadors from Costa Rica, Lesotho and Mauritania

by: Stephanie Horsman
17/03/2022

Monaco welcomed three new ambassadors this week: Ronald Flores Vega, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Costa Rica, Senate Barbara Masupha, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Lesotho, and Ahmed Bahiya, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.

The three new diplomats were greeted by Isabelle Rosabrunetto, Director General of the Department of External Relations and Cooperation, where after meeting with Prince Albert II to present their Letters of Credence, were then ushered to the Hôtel Hermitage where they were given a welcome luncheon.

Ronald Flores Vega joined the Ministry of Public Works and Transport of Costa Rica in 1979 and held various positions related to transport planning, the environment and urban planning until 2013. He then became a Parliamentary Advisor to the Legislative Assembly from 2006 to 2010. He is currently serving as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Costa Rica to Italy, since 2018.

After beginning her career in diplomacy in 2000, Senate Barbara Masupha was Chargé d’Affaires of Lesotho in Italy then Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 2011 to 2013 before occupying the position of consultant in research, development of politics and international relations from 2014 to 2020. She is currently Ambassador of Lesotho to Germany, France, Russia, Poland, the Holy See and Austria.

Ahmed Bahiya has more than three decades of experience in the fields of education, scientific research and executive administration in Mauritania. Secretary General of the University of Nouakchott in 2009, he also served as Minister of Secondary and Higher Education from 2009 to 2011 then Minister of State for National Education, Higher Education and Scientific Research. From 2013 to 2019, he became Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic of Mauritania. He is currently Mauritanian Ambassador to France, Portugal, Monaco, Andorra and the Holy See.

 

 

Photo from left to right: Ronald Flores Vega, Isabelle Rosabrunetto, Senate Barbara Masupha, and Ahmed Bahiya, by Manuel Vitali, Government Communication Department

 

 

 

Weekend ski report: 18th – 20th March

by: Luke Entwistle
17/03/2022

As we near the end of the skiing season, temperatures throughout the region are increasing, Nonetheless, there are still some great conditions and even more snow forecast, notably at Isola.

Isola 2000 – There are currently 24 ski slopes and 13 ski lifts open at Isola. Visitors can expect there to be between 100 and 80 cm of smooth snow. This could be topped up further with more snow forecast on Friday, whilst the rest of the weekend is expected to be largely overcast. Skiers will have to wrap up with highs of just 4°C and lows of -7°C. The col de la Bonette and la Lombarde roads are closed until the end of the winter season.

Auron – There are currently 21 ski slopes and 15 ski lifts open at the resort, with between 90-80 cm of standing snow thanks to the region-wide snowfall this Monday. It will be milder than last weekend with highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C, although the forecast is for rain on Friday and Saturday. There will also be some relatively strong winds potentially reaching 47km/h on Friday and Saturday. In terms of access, Route de la Tinée, Route de la Bonette, Piste de la Moustière, Piste de Demandols all remain closed.

Les Deux Alpes – There is a huge choice of runs at the resort with 76 ski slopes and 41 ski lifts currently open. There is 65cm of moist standing snow. The resort isn’t expecting any snow over the weekend, whilst temperatures are expected to be up on last weekend with lows of -1°C and highs of 8°C. It will be a cloudy weekend on the slopes, whilst visibility will be poor on Friday due to fog.

La Colmiane – There are 10 ski slopes and five ski lifts open at the resort, with between 70 and 45 cm of standing snow following last weekend’s snowfall. Conditions will be very changeable throughout the weekend. Strong winds above 80km/h are forecast on Saturday. It will be cloudy on Friday and Saturday, but Sunday will see sun and also snow. As we reach the end of the skiing season, temperatures are up on previous weekends with highs of 4°C and lows of -3°C. The resort hosts a market on Saturdays, and will continue to do so until the end of March.

Greolieres les Neiges – There are two ski lifts open, as well as 30km of open runs. There is between 30 and 20 cm of soft standing snow at the resort. It will be a largely cloudy weekend on the slopes of Greolieres, with sunny intervals expected on Saturday and Sunday. There will also be highs of 13°C and lows of -2°C. The resort isn’t reporting any road closures.

Limone Piemonte – The Italian resort is currently reporting that all runs are closed due to bad weather, and this will remain the case throughout Thursday and Friday. Snow levels vary from 60 to 20 cm after last weekend’s snowfall. Although no further rain is forecast on Saturday, there is the possibility of snowfall on Sunday. There will be lows of 0°C and highs of 7°C. Passage through the Roya valley currently isn’t possible due to the collapsed bridge at Tende. Drivers must instead pass through Ventimiglia and the journey from Monaco is currently approximately three hours.

Valberg – There are 25 ski slopes and 11 ski lifts open. The resort currently has between 80 and 60 cm of standing snow, following the snowfall on Valentine’s day. Similar to conditions throughout the resort, it will be largely overcast, but there is more of a chance for sunny spells on Saturday and Sunday. It is expected to be slightly milder than last weekend with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C.

Note: Snow tyres must be worn on the roads up to the ski resorts.

 

Photo: Isola 2000 webcam

 

 

 

The late late Bacon show

by: Luke Entwistle
17/03/2022

The Roca Team’s overtime clash against Strasbourg (105-103) reached a breathtaking crescendo as Dwayne Bacon nailed a deep 3-pointer on the buzzer to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

At times on Wednesday night, the game looked beyond the home side, as a certain lethargy and sloppiness crept into their game for large swathes of the match. However, with confidence high and a deep roster of highly talented players, there was always a lingering sense of the inevitable comeback.

Monaco’s inefficiency both inside and outside the key was rarely more pronounced than it was in the opening moments of the first-quarter. As is the tradition, the crowd remained standing until the first Monegasque hoop, few would have been expecting to be stood up for almost three minutes. Everyone was finally grateful for the chance to sit down.

In that time, Strasbourg had grown a six-point lead, and this set the tone for the fixture as the away side repeatedly constructed advantages, only to be reeled back in. Often, Strasbourg ceded the momentum through their own indiscipline. Monaco had an inferior efficiency in two and three-pointers on the night, but an avalanche of free-throws was ultimately crucial (27/36).

Speaking to Monaco Life, head-coach Sasa Obradovic alluded to this post-match, stating, “The opponent gave it to us, they gave us 27 assists. That was a magic number for us.”

For comparison, Strasbourg only converted 10/12 free-throws. That indiscipline undid much of the hard work done by Gaylor Curier and Matt Mitchell, the former particularly empathic outside the key (5/8).

Despite Strasbourg’s generous free-throw offering, Monaco still struggled to keep up with their more efficient opponents, and midway through the third-quarter found themselves with a 15-point deficit to overturn.

A Brock Motum three-pointer changed the atmosphere in the Salle Gaston Medecin, as the crowd once again got behind their side, spurring a late rally. A Mike James three-pointer on the third-quarter buzzer brought the Roca Team back within three, and the momentum was clearly with the home side going into the final quarter.

Parity was restored early in the final-quarter, before the sides began matching each other blow-for-blow, taking the game to overtime.

The five-minute overtime was a microcosm of the game itself, as Monaco found themselves in the familiar position of having to muster a comeback. With less than 1:40 on the clock, Bacon and Alpha Diallo helped overturn a five-point deficit, before DeAndre Landsdowne’s two-pointer with 1.7 seconds on the clock looked to have sealed the game in Strasborug’s favour (102-103).

There was, however, one more spectacular twist in the tail. From the baseline, Leo Westermann launched the ball towards Bacon, who swivelled and released from deep in what was almost a blind pop shot. Miraculously, and to the delight of the crowd who sprung to their feet, the ball found the hoop via the back-board, sealing a highly unlikely late victory (105-103).

Post-match, the American, Bacon described the match-winning shot to Monaco Life: “When you’ve played basketball for so long, you know what types of shots you can get off, and I knew I had the time to do it.”

Relying on such a moment of brilliance, the fortuitous circumstances of the victory were not lost on Obradovic. “We didn’t deserve to win today. The other team played better basketball.”

Bacon alluded to mindset being a key factor in the game not being wrapped-up earlier, saying, “We have a really good team, but sometimes we pick and choose when we come out to play. Tonight was one of those nights where we chose when we wanted to play, and it got late in the end.”

Bacon and co. will be hoping to register a more controlled victory when they visit Paris on Sunday.

Click on our Instagram post below to see some top shots from the night…

https://www.instagram.com/p/CbNXmcnsGJ0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

 

Photo by Luke Entwistle, Monaco Life