This is a celebration of independence like no other. Prime Minister Mia Mottley feted Rihanna with the great honor of becoming a national hero of Barbados.
“We, therefore, present to you the designee for national hero of Barbados, Ambassador Robyn Rihanna Fenty,”Mottley spoke at the ceremony.
“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. God bless you, my dear.”
The prestigious title comes as Barbados enters a monumental shift as the country is removing Britain’s Queen Elizabeth as the second head of state.
This move severs its last colonial bonds, nearly 400 years after the first English ships arrived on the Caribbean island. It is now a republic.
Barbados will, however be a part of the commonwealth and remain somewhat connected to Britain.
“The creation of this republic offers a new beginning, but it also marks a point on a continuum,”Prince Charles made these remarks while attending the inauguration ceremony of President Sandra Mason.
“A milestone on the long road you have not only traveled but which you have built from the darkest days of our past and the appalling atrocity of slavery which forever stains our history.”
The spectacular ceremony falls on the occasion of Barbados’ 55th year anniversary.
