A modern day heroine!
Music mogul Rihanna was just named the 11th national hero of Barbados, CNN reports.
This past October, Barbados elected its first Black woman president, simultaneously announcing its split from the British monarchy, nearly 400 years after the first English ship arrived on the Caribbean islands.
During its presidential inauguration of Sandra Mason this week, the country honored its most famous celebrity, Bajan beauty, fashion and music mogul Rihanna. Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley bestowed the honor on the superstar during the ceremony marking the country becoming an official republic.
“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. May you continue to shine like a diamond and bring honor to your nation by your works, by your actions and to do credit wherever you shall go,” said Mottley.
Rihanna first became one of the country’s cultural ambassadors in 2008, promoting its tourism ministry. Ten years later she was elevated to official ambassador of Barbados. In her new role Rihanna will be given “specific responsibility for promoting education, tourism and investment for the island.”
The honor for the 33-year-old singer was one of the first actions taken by the new republic after officially removing Queen Elizabeth II as head of state and the first time in more than 20 years that Barbados has named a new national hero. According to The Washington Post, Prince Charles attended the ceremony representing the royal family, calling slavery an “appalling atrocity which forever stains our history,” and praising Barbados for being guided by “freedom, justice and self-determination.”
The two countries have plans to remain friends with the 95-year-old monarch also sending well wishes to President Sandra Mason and calling the occasion a “momentous day.” There is no word yet on Rihanna’s next plans as national hero but her official title is The Right Excellent Robyn Rihanna Fenty, according to The Associated Press.
“This is a day that I will never, ever forget. It’s also a day that I never saw coming… I have traveled the world and received several awards and recognitions, but nothing, nothing compares to being recognized in the soil that you grew in,” said Rihanna.
Congratulations Rihanna!
Photo Courtesy of Mirrorpix/MEGA