BRIDGETOWN (CU)_Fireworks filled the sky, as a 21-gun salute was fired and the national anthem of Barbados was played over the Heroes Square in Bridgetown. As the island nation reached the 55th anniversary of its independence from Britain, the people of Barbados severed colonial-era ties with the European nation, replacing the Queen as its Head of State. “Republic Barbados has set sail on her maiden voyage,” Sandra Mason said in her inauguration speech as the first president of the new republic. “Our country must dream big dreams and fight to realize them,” the former governor-general told those gathered for the ceremony.
While event marked a new chapter in the history of Barbados, one of the most celebrated announcement at the occasion was the declaration of Rihanna a national hero of the country, by Prime Minister Mia Mottley. The singer and entrepreneur, who was previously appointed as ambassador to Barbados, was honoured with “the order of national hero” during the event in Bridgetown. Inviting Rihanna onstage, PM Mottley said: “On behalf of a grateful nation, but an even prouder people, we therefore present to you, the designee, for national hero of Barbados, Ambassador Robyn Rihanna Fenty.”
The 33-year-old singer touched her heart as the Prime Minister quoted her lyrics saying “May you continue to shine like a diamond and bring honour to your nation by your words, by your actions and to do credit wherever you shall go.”
The honour, which allows Rihanna to use the title “Right Honorable”, made her the second woman and 11th person to be declared a national hero of Barbados.
In August this year, the pop star and business mogul officially entered the Forbes billionaires’ club, with the publication estimating her net worth at $1.7 billion. That placed the founder of fashion house Fenty and makeup line Fenty Beauty, the world’s wealthiest female musician and second-wealthiest female entertainer after Oprah Winfrey.
