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Day: 21 June 2022

Monaco mourns the death of first firefighter in its history

by: Cassandra Tanti
21/06/2022

A manslaughter and involuntary injury investigation has been opened into the death of Sergeant Thierry Perard on Sunday, the first firefighter to have died on duty in the history of the Principality.

Prince Albert was among many members of the community to express his condolences to the family and peers of Sergeant Thierry Perard, who died from toxic smoke inhalation on what should have been a day of celebration, Father’s Day.

“It is with great sadness that HSH Prince Albert II learned of the death of Sergeant Thierry Perard in the performance of his duties”, said the Palace in a statement, adding that it was “the first time in its history that the firefighter’s unit from the Principality loses one of its own, in the performance of his duty to save lives.”

Sergeant Thierry Perard was responding with his unit to a raging apartment fire in Le 21 residence building on Avenue Princess Grace on Sunday. Hours later, the government confirmed that the firefighter, with 26 years of experience, had died.

“His Serene Highness wishes to assure the wife and daughter of this firefighter that together with His family, He shares their deep sorrow,” said the Palace. “He also endorses the strong emotion of the Corps of Firefighters of the Principality, and of all the Public Force, deeply affected by this terrible event.”

Meanwhile, Minister of State Pierre Dartout on Monday visited La Condamine barracks with Minister of the Interior Patrice Cellario to express the government’s sympathy to firefighters and the family of the victim.

“The tragic death of Sergeant Thierry Perard is a painful reminder of the total commitment of firefighters to help our national community,” said the government in a statement.

Smoke billowed from the apartment on Avenue Princess Grace on Sunday, photo supplied to Monaco Life

Sergeant Thierry Perard reportedly entered the 400sqm home just after 1pm searching for its missing occupants, the toxic flames fuelled by large amounts of burning furniture and winds entering from three facades. It was, say experts, an “unprecedented” random phenomena.

Sergeant Perard was transported to hospital with toxic smoke inhalation and later died of his injuries. He had served 26 years in the brigade.

In total, 65 firefighters were called to the scene at the seaside district of Larvotto. The blazing apartment was situated on the first of five floors of block B, opposite the Grimaldi Forum, which is currently hosting the Monte-Carlo Television Festival.

On Monday, it was confirmed to Monaco Matin that the Public Security office, under the supervision of the General Prosecutor’s Office of Monaco, had opened an investigation for manslaughter and involuntary injury. The apartment is believed to be owned by a woman aged almost 100 years. Forensic experts from Marseille have been sent in to deteremine the origin of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the situation that led to the death of Sergeant Perard.

 

 

Photo by Stephane Dana, Government Communication Department

 

 

 

Sotheby’s to set up first European gallery in Monaco

by: Stephanie Horsman
21/06/2022

Sotheby’s has announced that it is opening a Monaco-based gallery of private sales next month, headed up by Artcurial alumni Louise Grether.

Alongside all great brands, Sotheby’s is a household name, not just in its own world as a top-notch auction house, but as synonymous with auctions themselves.

Now, the Principality will see a full-time Sotheby’s headquarters, the first in Europe, dedicated entirely to private sales of art, luxury goods and design objects on the continent.

Running the show will be Louise Grether, who made a name for herself in Monaco heading up Artcurial, working temporarily alongside Mark Armstrong, the man who ran the local Sotheby’s office for four decades.

The new space will be located at 20 Avenue de la Costa, the site of the summer 2021 ephemeral gallery.

“Monaco has long been a destination for many top collectors from around the world, but until relatively recently there was less of an artistic offering here,” says Louise Grether. “Today, collectors are increasingly looking to buy outside the great seasonal events such as art fairs and auctions. In Monaco, the galleries have developed their activity to meet this appetite.”

Sotheby’s aim is to offer exceptional works of both public and private sales outside the traditional auction calendar, giving the clientele tremendous flexibility. The decision was made to permanently find a home in Monaco after the success of the sale of Karl Lagerfeld collection, which attracted over 2,500 bidders.

 “I joined Sotheby’s at a time when the house chose to present some of the best examples of art and luxury items offered by the company throughout the world, throughout the year,” added Grether. “I can’t wait to experience this new adventure in a market where there is still so much to develop.”

The first exhibit will open on 4th July, just ahead of Monaco Art Week, which runs from 12th to 17th July. Major works by Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne, artists chosen in tribute to Monaco. Along with the art, there will be fine examples of luxury items such as watches, jewellery, diamonds and handbags.

Due to a long relationship with the Principality, Monaco was a logical place to open a headquarters. Says Marie-Anne Ginoux, Managing Director of Sotheby’s France, “The Principality has always been a destination of choice for our clients and a capital market for our house. We are therefore very much looking forward to welcoming them to our new Monaco headquarters and hope that they will enjoy discovering the various exhibitions that will be held there throughout the year.”

 

 

 

Photo provided

 

 

 

 

MYS’s announces new Sustainability Hub

by: Stephanie Horsman
21/06/2022

The Monaco Yacht Show has a new aspect they are rolling out for 2022. It’s called the Sustainability Hub and it will be welcoming companies that specialise in environmentally friendly superyacht technology.

The yachting world is rapidly changing. Gone are the days of fuel-overconsumption, “dirty” propulsion systems and general disregard for the environment. Today’s yacht owners are a savvy bunch who know that what’s good for the planet is good for them, and that creating an impact means less about the flash and more about sustainable approaches.

The Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) is completely on board with this new philosophy and has responded with an incubator for companies that “provide tried and true eco-friendly solutions, as well as budding start ups working on sustainable alternatives that fit in seamlessly with the yachting world”. And they’re calling it the Sustainability Hub.

The Hub will be located in a 200m2 space in Darse Sud with a tent entirely dedicated to new marine technologies and equipment. The idea is that it will serve as a tool to raise awareness about issues affecting the environment in both Monaco and the larger international yachting community.

“When the MYS joined the Carbon Neutral programme in 2005, we were already hell-bent on raising environmental awareness,” said Gaëlle Tallarida, Managing Director of the MYS. “The MYS later joined the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation in 2010 to support their eco-friendly projects. Might I remind you that the yachting industry had barely started taking on a ‘green attitude’ at the time.

“Our pioneering approach to sustainability in organising the show, which began 18 years ago, now extends to a new dedicated exhibition at the MYS. The MYS constitutes one of the industry’s major voices, a share of social responsibility that we fully assume today. Therefore, the Sustainability Hub was an obvious and logical next step for the Monaco Yacht Show.  

Gaëlle Tallarida says that the new area dedicated to eco-friendly yachting alternatives is part of the MYS sustainability programme, which is set to be extended to the logistics and layout of the entire show.

“We intend to provide support to all those involved – exhibitors, service providers and visitors alike – whilst exploring concrete solutions to environmental problems,” she adds.

The Sustainably Hub will base its selection criteria on the collaborative efforts of the Monaco Yacht Show and its partner in this endeavour, the Water Revolution Foundation.

“The creation of the Sustainability Hub is a crucial achievement,” said Robert Van Tol, Executive Director of the Water Revolution Foundation. “The Monaco Yacht Show has once again consolidated its leading position in the field, whilst highlighting the Water Revolution Foundation’s expertise in terms of sustainability. Thus, the show’s new exhibition area is designed to showcase forms of technology that will bring concrete improvements to the world of yachting. We are making every effort to find, verify, promote and reward sustainable solutions, whilst encouraging their use and bringing about much needed change.”

The Monaco Yacht Show will be held from 28th September to 1st October.

 

 

Photo of Monaco Yacht Show 2021 by Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life

 

 

 

 

AS Monaco Women keep promotion hopes alive

by: Luke Entwistle
21/06/2022

Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Toulouse means that AS Monaco Women go into the second leg of their promotion play-off with everything to play for. Just one game stands between them and their objective.

The second leg of the tie, to be played in Toulouse next Sunday, couldn’t be more finely balanced. After achieving a 100% win rate in the regular season in the R1, and following a battling 3-2 win against Bourges in the semi-final, their whole season comes down to just one more 90 minute match.

Manager Stéphane Guigo said in the wake of last week’s win that his side were the “underdog” going into the tie, but Monaco didn’t live up to that tag. Instead, they proceeded to dominate large swathes of the match, and were ultimately disappointed to come away with just a draw.

Monaco should have taken the early lead early on, but fine margins denied them. Bree Fuller struck the bar in the opening 10 minutes and Laura Domecq miscued an attempted chip when through on goal.

Against the run of play, it was the former professional side Toulouse who took the lead following a slick counter-attack, which was finished by Sophie Rougé. Thereafter, what had been an open, end-to-end affair, settled into a rhythm and both sides found chances at a premium for the remainder of the half.

A youthful Monaco, however, struck back early in the second-half, as Fuller got her just rewards for her hard-work on the right wing, although she would do so in confusing circumstances. Although the offside flag was raised, the referee never blew the whistle and it was clear that the last touch came off a Toulouse boot. Les Violettes downed tools and switched off. Fuller profited by surging into the box and finishing low to the keeper’s left.

Having restored parity, Monaco searched for a second, and would get it in the 75th minute. After a goalmouth scramble which saw Domecq’s initial effort scuppered, and a rebound smashed against the post from Fuller, the ball once again fell at the feet of Domecq, who made no mistake with her second chance.

But there was to be one cruel, final twist. An innocuous Sonia Roumiga cross caught out the Monaco goalkeeper, who misjudged the flight of the ball, and the ball nestled in the far corner of the net. Neither side could find a winner in the dying stages and the game finished 2-2. Everything is still to play for in the second-leg.

Post-match Guigo reflected on his side’s frustrating profligacy, telling Monaco Life, “We lacked efficiency. We knew we’d have to convert our chances, but that is part of the game. It’s up to us to alter the tie.”

He continued, “We approached the match as we had to and had chances. Then we’re stung once, we fight back to level and then take the lead, but then we finish 2-2 from a cross; it’s a bit frustrating. Monaco and Toulouse are around the same level so it will be won on efficiency and we know that we have to go there and win.”

Given that the away goal rule is in effect in the tie, Monaco have to go there searching for a win (or a high scoring draw). Some of Monaco’s best performances this year have come under pressure, and they will have to produce one more if they are to achieve that much-coveted promotion to the D2.

 

 

 

Roca Team with a fingertip on the Betclic Elite title 

by: Luke Entwistle
21/06/2022

AS Monaco Basketball are within one win of exorcising the demons of 2019 and taking revenge on their Lyon-VIlleurbanne after a nick-and-tuck victory (83-80) at the Salle Gaston Médecin.

After two wildly oscillating one-sided affairs at the Astroballe, the teams were much more evenly matched at the first match in Monaco. For the first time there was a sense of tension and peril in every play, and that showed in the intensity with which each ball was contested.

After such a heavy defeat in the last match in Lyon (91-54), Monaco had to react to get their series back on track. “Everyone saw how badly we got beaten in game two. I think it was the largest margin in a finals game so we took that to heart,” said Dwayne Bacon post-match.

Sasa Obradovic didn’t get that reaction, however, from the beginning. The Roca Team were lacking in efficiency and creativity as they failed to penetrate Asvel’s key. “The beginning of the game was maybe affected by the previous one. We were too nervous. We missed too many shots under the basket that we should have scored,” said Obradovic.

But it was in the second-quarter where Monaco’s quality shone through. Relying on an aggressive and solid defensive base, the attackers began to flourish, especially outside the key, where the side’s far superior advantage (53% to 14%) was ultimately decisive.

According to Obradovic, that solidity allowed them to “express their quality”, and Bacon (19) certainly did that with a flurry of two pointers, whilst Paris Lee, who completed all four of his three-point attempts also contributed to an unreplied 12-point streak (37-27). Monaco had something to hold on to, but with two such evenly matched sides, that was no easy task.

Photo by Luke Entwistle, Monaco Life

Elie Okobo (25), who at points had the freedom of the court kept Asvel in the tie, whilst in Youssoupha Fall (16), Lyon had a player more than capable of countering the threat posed by Mike James (16) in particular. The American point-guard had a tough first-half, but became more influential as the minutes ticked away.

The game felt as though it was won when Donatas Motiejunas converted a three-pointer to give Monaco a six-point advantage (78-72) deep into the fourth-quarter. The hall erupted, but was soon quietened when Okobo converted a rare Lyon three-pointer to return within touching distance.

Despite a nervy finish that went all the way down to the last play, Monaco triumphed, and in doing so moved to within one victory of the Betclic Elite title.

“I think both teams played a very good level of basketball. First of all, I think this is a good promotion for basketball. You could see towards the end the full individual quality on both sides,” said Obradovic.

Bacon highlighted the importance of starting the fourth, and potentially final match at the Salle Gaston Médecin on Wednesday strongly. He told Monaco Life, “We’ve got to keep coming out and landing the first punch, because if they get the lead it can be a really bad game for us.”

According to the American, the key to doing that will be defending well. “Defences win games at the end of the day… it’s going to come down to who gets the most stops. We have to go in with that mindset in game 4 and make the most stops we can. If we get the most stops and the most rebounds, then we can win the game.”

Monaco may have a fingertip on the title, but they certainly don’t have a firm grasp, and they will have to reproduce, or even better Monday night’s performance if they want to prevent it from slipping away.

Check out Monaco Life’s Instagram page for videos of the game! 

 

Photo by Luke Entwistle, Monaco Life

 

 

 

 

 

 

Winners awarded at 2022 Junior Street Art Challenge

by: Stephanie Horsman
21/06/2022

The second edition of the Junior Street Art Challenge has concluded, and the winners announced. Here’s who came away with the top spots.

The Junior Street Art Challenge, an urban art competition project proposed by young people as part of the Communal Junior Project 2018-2019, was back after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic and showcased some serious budding talent.

Three teams entered the competition and worked from Friday 17th June to Monday 20th June to create pieces based on this year’s theme, the Connection Between Animals and Humans in the Environment.

The jury, made up of renowned Street Artists from UPAINT, Riccardo De Caria, UPAINT sponsor from Vianord Engineering, as well as collectors José Giannotti and Paolo di Nola, were hard pressed to choose the best of these excellent offerings, but in the end a winner was selected.

Alberto Coleman, organiser of the event, and Chloe Boscagli Leclercq announced that first place be awarded to the team composed of Roufail Boughos, Miriam Boughos, Apollo Andriessen and Mathis Kheng, all four from the Lycée Albert Ier, with Yann Vassallo from Lycée François of Assisi Nicolas Barré.

The second prize went to the team of Oscar Vita, Albin Vita, Lorenzo Tognetty, Clément Bertrand and Hongsub Baek from Charles III College. The bronze went to Maïa Milhiet and Chloé Lavagna, also from Charles III College.

The participants were given a trophy as well as vouchers for FNAC.

Like their professionally created counterparts, these works of art will be auctioned to benefit the projects of the Prince Albert II Foundation.

 

 

 

Photo by RivieraKris