After recently removing Elizabeth the Queen of England as the country’s head of state, and electing their first ever President; the Caribbean country of Barbados has become a republic and in celebrating that, Star Rihanna was named a National Hero. 33-year-old Riri was awarded the honour by Mia Mottley, the prime minister during an event to celebrate the island nation becoming a republic.
“On behalf of a grateful nation, but an even prouder people, we therefore present to you the designee for national hero for Barbados, ambassador Robyn Rihanna Fenty,” the Prime Minister said to a jubiliating crowd in the capital, Bridgetown.
“May you continue to shine like a diamond and bring honour to your nation by your works, by your actions.”
Rihanna was born in Saint Michael and raised in Bridgetown; before she moved to the United States after she was discovered by New York-based music producer Evan Rogers.
The singer has also had the honorary title of Ambassador for Culture and Youth in Barbados since 2018.
In 2008, former Barbados prime minister David Thompson declared 22 February “Rihanna Day”; and although it is not a bank holiday, Barbadians celebrate it every year.
The latest honour was awarded to the star from her homeland as it celebrated becoming a republic; 55 years after gaining independence from the UK.
In a message to the people of the Caribbean island, the Queen sent her; “good wishes for your happiness, peace and prosperity in the future” and emphasised the importance of the “continuation of the friendship” with the UK as she ceased to be their monarch.
Dame Sandra Mason was also sworn in as the island’s first-ever president, after being elected in October.