The state of Barbados this week announced singer Rihanna as a national heroine, as part of a celebration in the city of origin of the star and the capital of the Caribbean island, Bridgetown.
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Motley announced this to applause before inviting Rihanna to stand in front of the audience and receive the honor she had won. “Who will let you keep shining like a diamond,” Motley wished the 33-year-old singer, incorporating in her greeting a reference to her huge hit “Diamonds.” “Continue to bring honor to your nation by your work and actions.”
The event where Rihanna was crowned a national asset was actually held to celebrate the transformation of the island of Barbados yesterday (Monday) officially into a republic. This, after 55 years of Queen Elizabeth’s reign. The singer and businesswoman, whose full name is Robin Rihanna Penti, received the title of “Ambassador of Barbados” as early as 2018.
Rihanna is the second woman in Barbados history to earn the honor of national heroism, after Sarah Ann Gil, a religious leader who died in 1866. Alongside that, the singer is also one of two lone national heroes of the country still alive, alongside Sir Garfield Sobers, an 85-year-old cricketer who was crowned a 1998 hero. The musician was present at the historic event and witnessed its first president, Dame Sandra Mason (who had hitherto been the Queen’s Governor General), during her inauguration, at a ceremony hosted by Prince Charles.
Were we wrong? Fixed! If you found an error in the article, we’ll be happy for you to share it with us
.