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Aussie pub becomes vaccination centre for local employees

by: Cassandra Tanti
22/07/2021

An Australian pub in Nice has been transformed into a temporary vaccination centre, helping around 450 local hospitality staff to get the jab before France implements its mandatory health pass in bars and restaurants.
Situated in the heart of Vieux Nice on the Cours Saleya, Van Diemen’s is more accustomed to handing out pints of beer to sun-soaked tourists than vaccinations to hospitality staff. But that’s exactly what happened on Thursday when a team of doctors and nurses set up shop for a major two-day anti-Covid campaign.
“We are hoping to have 95% of all bar and restaurant staff in this area covered by the end of this vaccination drive,” Van Diemen’s proprietor Thady Nolan told Monaco Life.
The campaign is being led by the Nice City Council and officials were on site on Thursday to monitor its success.

From Wednesday 21st July, the so-called passe sanitaire – showing proof of vaccination, a negative test or recent recovery from Covid-19 – is needed to enter or work in most museums, theatres and cinemas. It will then be extended to restaurants, cafés and shopping centres in August, President Emmanuel Macron announced last week.
The initial health pass was implemented by decree, while lawmakers are set to vote on its extension to restaurants in the coming days.
By the end of this campaign in Nice, around 450 bar and restaurant staff in the immediate area are expected to be fully vaccinated.
But with a three-to-four-week gap between jabs, and around a week to access the health pass, vaccinated staff today will still not have a health pass by the initial August deadline.
“At best, they will have their health pass by mid-September,” acknowledges Thady Nolan. “If they implement this from August, bars and restaurants will have to close.”
Industry leaders have met with key ministers in France asking for a postponement of the extension until at least 15th September.

Since the announcement by French President Emmanuel Macron, more than three million new appointments for vaccinations have been made in France.
Staff at Van Diemen’s who were initially reluctant to get the vaccine and are generally aged between 20 and 30 have also jumped on board if it means they are unable to work.
But business owners still don’t know what to do with staff who refuse to get vaccinated.
“It is not yet clear what happens if someone is not allowed to work because they don’t have a health pass,” says Thady Nolan, who employees 120 staff at five bars/restaurants in Nice and Cannes. “At the moment, if someone can’t come to work, they’re put on unpaid leave. After two months of not working, they can be fired. But again, we don’t know for sure what the circumstances are surrounding the health pass.”
Health pass to prevent further lockdowns
The Delta variant is behind France’s “fourth wave” of Covid-19, and the purpose of the health pass is to avoid a fourth nationwide lockdown, Prime Minister Jean Castex said on Wednesday. He also revealed that 96% of the 18,000 new cases reported the previous day were among the unvaccinated.
According to a study published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine, two doses of Pfizer or AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine are nearly as effective against the highly transmissible Delta coronavirus variant as they are against the previously dominant Alpha variant. It confirms headline findings given by Public Health England in May about the efficacy of these vaccines based on real-world data.
Wednesday’s study found that two doses of Pfizer’s shot was 88% effective at preventing symptomatic disease from the Delta variant, compared to 93.7% against the Alpha variant, broadly the same as previously reported.
Two shots of AstraZeneca vaccine were 67% effective against the Delta variant, up from 60% originally reported, and 74.5% effective against the Alpha variant, compared to an original estimate of 66% effectiveness.
 
 
 
Photos provided by Van Diemen’s 
 
 
 

Legendary Jimmy’z is back

by: Stephanie Horsman
22/07/2021

Monaco’s fabled Jimmy’z Sporting Monte-Carlo nightclub is reopening with much ado, some huge name DJ’s, and all the glamour that it is famous for.
The doors of uber-cool Jimmy’z fly open late Thursday after a long hiatus brought on by the pandemic. To mark the occasion, they have announced some serious musical talent for the agenda this summer, including Martin Solveig, Kungs and Virgil Abloh.
The nightclub has been a Monaco staple since its inception in 1971, a collaboration between singer and nightclub impresaria Régine Zylberberg and Société des Bains de Mer (SBM). It continues to attract jetsetters, celebrities, sports icons and the fashion crowd to its privileged location at Le Sporting complex, offering nights filled with music played by the best DJs and cocktails most people would need to take out a loan to afford.

Photo © Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

At this den of the super-rich and famous, anything went, and still goes, and the champagne flows along with the music well into the wee hours.
Jimmy’z had a facelift back in 2017, leaving many of the aspects of the old, including the dancefloor and the lush garden, while adding a floating summer bar and open-air tables to give the club a more spacious feel.
Over the years, the club has attracted names such as Robin Schulz, Michael Calfan, Lost Frequencies, Martin Solveig, Bob Sinclar, Mark Ronson, FatBoy Slim, Big Ali and Benny Benassi to the turntables, a roster that would have any nightclub owner drooling, but is business as usual at Jimmy’z.
DJ Bob Sinclair with Monegasque F1 driver Charles Leclerc at Jimmy’s in 2019 © Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

This year’s international artists include the “King of Afro House” Black Coffee on 30th July. Next up will be Virgil Abloh on 13th August, followed by Kungs on the 20th and Martin Solveig on the 27th.
Thursdays will be dedicated to ‘Go Deep’, a go-to for house music with an innovative musical line-up, famous artists and up-and-coming talents. Fridays are Urban Jimmy’z with Hip-Hop sessions from DJ Ollie and Saturdays are the domain of ‘Pop Heart’ nights featuring a Pop Art ambiance with artists and/or their original works on display.
The reopening is an exciting event, but not a total free-for-all.
The club has introduced some rules to keep the clientele safe, including mandatory health pass with a valid QR code, mask-wearing whilst in queue and the need to make a reservation.
Jimmy’z will be open from Thursdays to Saturdays inclusive until the end of August, and Fridays and Saturdays until the end of September, from 11:30pm to dawn.
 
 
 
Top photo © Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer
 
 
 

Construction at centre of MEB meeting with Quebec

by: Stephanie Horsman
22/07/2021

The Monaco Economic Board met with the Quebec, Canada General Delegation in France and Monaco for a conference highlighting the latest responsible construction trends being employed in the Principality.
The Monaco Economic Board (MEB) met on Monday 19th July with Monaco and France’s Quebec Delegation for a conference on innovative, responsible construction technology methods. These approaches are already in use in the Principality and can been seen in action at the Carmelha Tower site.
Developed by Quebec company Upbrella, the technology means that buildings can be constructed without cranes, using less overall space, building with sustainably sourced wood and creating less pollution on the site, thus reducing the overall carbon footprint.
MEB Executive Director General Guillaume Rose welcomed the participants saying, “Application of this innovative technology in the Principality is an excellent starting point for closer cooperation between entrepreneurs in Monaco with those in Québec in all possible sectors.”
Michèle Boisvert, Delegate General of Quebec then opened the conference, drawing attention to similarities between two territories “who share the same visions and pay particular attention to environmental and marine issues as well as northern issues”.

Photo provided by the MEB

A presentation on the technology was then given, followed by a cocktail and networking event allowing all the players to meet and mingle.
Prior to the conference, there was a visit to the Carmelha Tower site which saw Annabelle Jaeger Seydoux, Director of the Monaco Energy Transition Mission, and Jean-Luc Nguyen, Director of Public Works in attendance.
This is the second meeting of the two entities, the first having taken place in January via a webinar. Both sides are looking to expand and strengthen exchanges, and other collaborations are said to be in the pipeline.
Ms Boisvert ended by making her city’s unique position geographically and philosophically known, declaring, “We share the same values and language but we Québécois do business the American way. Our territory is therefore an ideal gateway for developing business in North America.”
A gateway that the MEB is determined to pass through.
 
 
Photo provided by the MEB
 
 

Gently-used luxury handbag seller arriving in Monaco

by: Stephanie Horsman
21/07/2021

Sellier Knightsbridge has announced the upcoming opening of a Monaco location, a first for the luxe pre-loved retailer outside of the UK.  

The UK-based high-end consignment shop, Sellier Knightsbridge, has revealed it is opening an outlet to sell its to-die-for designer pieces in the Principality.

Founded by mother-daughter team Hanushka Toni and Dina Ibrahimova, the company has made a reputation selling top-notch luxury pieces from around the world. Though known for their Hermes bags, Sellier also has a vast selection of designer pieces, such as Yves Saint Laurent dresses, Stella McCartney suits, Alexander McQueen sunglasses and everything in between.

Having started out as a brick-and-mortar shop, the company has since expanded, largely due to the health crisis, to more online and social media-based selling, which now accounts for 85% of their sales.

In spite of the focus going online, Monaco-based Hanushka and London-based Dina thought a shop in the Principality was a sound idea for both buyers and sellers, as clients are buying pre-loved more and more on principle. Sustainability is all part of the ethos of the company, along with selling quality authentic pieces at prices people can relate to.

Hermes bag for sale by Sellier Knightsbridge 

Their connection to Monaco has existed for many years, as Dina was formerly owner of a fashion re-sale business catering to clients looking for rare or coveted clothes, handbags and accessories, many of whom lived in the Principality. This evolved into Sellier Knightsbridge, so for them, opening in Monaco brings the company full circle.

As for Hanushka, her husband works in Monaco, so she splits her time between here and London and is well familiarised with the country and its sensibilities. 

Sellier says it is the number one reseller of Hermes in the United Kingdom, selling an astounding eight to 15 bags every week via Instagram, with additional pieces found in store and online. A Kelly bag went for £15,000, making it the most expensive item ever sold by Sellier.

 
 
Top photo of Dinara Ibrahimova and Hanushka Toni, Sellier Knightsbridge Founders
 
 
 

Prince’s Foundation welcomes back Gombessa 6 team

by: Stephanie Horsman
21/07/2021

After 20 days locked in a 5m2 life capsule, the intrepid scientists of the Gombessa 6 returned to Monaco on Tuesday with answers and even more questions about the puzzling rings of coral they explored off the coast of Cap Corse.

The mystery of the Cap Corse coral rings is being slowly unravelled after the head of underwater expeditions, biologist and photographer Laurent Ballesta, along with aquanauts Antonin Guilbert, Thibault Rauby and Roberto Rinaldi, spent 20 days on the sea floor observing and categorising findings from this never-before explored area.

The mission was made possible through a collaboration between several partners including the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and Swiss watchmaker Blancpain. A reception was held after the return of the team on Tuesday, hosted by the Prince’s Foundation.

There were 35 French and international researchers on the operation. The cooperation of the researchers, who all had their own pet projects in mind, was a testament to the level of willingness to learn and share on all levels.

Photo by Jordi Chias, Gombessa Expéditions

Located 120 metres under the sea, the 4km2 zone encases coral structures that reach up to 30 metres in circumference and are home to an astonishing array of sea life.

“The mission ends with, as with all expeditions, its share of things of which we are proud, but also with frustration,” said Laurent Ballesta. “We have approached new horizons that we had not imagined and that makes us want to go further. But the goals were met and it’s wonderful.

“Scientifically, there was the riddle of these rings first. We have succeeded in carrying out cores, sometimes over a metre, to pierce the rock in the heart of these rings. It was far from a given because we didn’t have the opportunity to test these manoeuvres before.”

These samples were able to be taken through a collaboration with the Sephismer, the French Navy’s human diving division. In the samples, there were some surprising findings. A coral called Callogorgia, which typically lives in far deeper waters, was found, as were small pearly shells thought to exist only in tropical reefs. DNA samples were also obtained, and the divers placed hydrophones and current metres in the rings to be able to observe remotely the comings and goings of sea life as well as the sea conditions.

Photo by Jordi Chias, Expéditions Gombessa

“We hope that the results of our research will help to understand the origin of rings, how they function, their age, etc. And there is still so much to discover,” Ballesta went on to say. 

In addition to reaching their scientific goals, the team were also rewarded with some exciting finds, such as a line of underwater caves that have yet to be explored, as well as something that scientists rarely can boast of: the discovery of a new species.

“We found a small nudibranch sea slug that we had seen on a previous dive, and which turns out to be a new species. We are going to have the privilege of giving it a name and that is a great source of pride. It will most certainly be my daughter’s first name,” the team leader said.

Photo © Jordi Chias, Expéditions Gombessa

Aquanaut Thierry Rauby voiced his early concerns, which soon dissipated as the mission progressed. “Before the start of the expedition, I was worried that spending 20 days around a sandy bottom would quickly end up being boring. But we have discovered an incredible biodiversity. It was a very good surprise. We have the impression that we have only glimpsed something incredible and, of course, it makes you want to go back.”

Along with the good, there was a bit of bad. The team came across plastic waste mixing with thousand-year-old amphorae and stunning sea fauna, a stark reminder of our human impact on the planet.

The team brought back thousands of images, which will be put together in association with Arte to create a film about the voyage. They also plan to make a book and to hold conferences to speak about their discoveries, raise awareness and promote environmental protection.

Photo by Laurent Ballesta, Andromède Océanologie, GOMBESSA 5

Results from the mission will start coming in September, with the DNA results being forecast to arrive by the end of the year and the rest of the test results by the end of 2022.

The team intend to make more journeys to their new, now not-so-hidden treasure where they hope to continue unlocking the mysteries of this fascinating area.

 
Top photo by Photo by Laurent Ballesta, Gombessa Expéditions
 
 

Prince joins prominent list backing Great Barrier Reef protection

by: Cassandra Tanti
20/07/2021

Prince Albert of Monaco has joined the likes of Joanna Lumley and Jason Momoa in backing calls for the Great Barrier Reef to be placed on a list of world heritage sites in danger.
The list includes an international line-up of actors, conservationists and scientists including activist Lumley, Aquaman actor Momoa, Australian singer Cody Simpson, former lead UN climate negotiator Christiana Figueres, and oceanographer Philippe Cousteau, the grandson of French diving pioneer Jacques Cousteau.
“The scientific evidence is beyond doubt: the Great Barrier Reef is in danger and it is time to act,” the group said in a global statement.
It follows a recent recommendation from the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) that Australia take “accelerated action at all possible levels” on climate change, citing global heating as the cause of mass coral bleaching in 2016, 2017 and 2020.
Later this week, the world heritage committee will be asked to put the world’s biggest reef system on its danger list. If Unesco follows the recommendation, it would be the first time a natural world heritage site has been placed on the “in danger” list mainly because of impacts from the climate crisis.
The statement that Prince Albert co-signed was organised by the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS), who says: “The reef belongs to the world and, as its custodian, Australia must show global leadership on climate action to preserve its future.”
Coral reefs are considered one of the world’s most at-risk ecosystems from the climate crisis due to their sensitivity to warming oceans.
A Unesco report said that despite efforts and achievements by the state and federal governments in Australia, key targets on improving water quality had not been met.
“The plan requires stronger and clearer commitments, in particular towards urgently countering the effects of climate change, but also towards accelerating water quality improvement and land management measures,” it said.
Unesco is also asking Australia to link its policy to protect the reef to the Paris climate goals to keep heating to 1.5C.
A consultant to the AMCS, Imogen Zethoven, said Australia’s climate policies were “more consistent with a 2.5-3.0C rise in global average temperature – a level that would destroy the Great Barrier Reef and all the world’s coral reefs.”
The high-profile statement comes amid backlash from Australia’s Scott Morrison government, who is calling the Unesco decision political and lead by China. Australia’s Environment Minister Sussan Ley is also in Europe lobbying countries against the danger listing.
 
 
Photo of the Great Barrier Reef by Nico Smit on Unsplash