Singer and businesswoman Rihanna, 33, was named the national heroine of Barbados during a ceremony this Monday (29), which made official the Caribbean island’s break with the British crown after nearly 400 years.
She received the title from the prime minister of the now republic, Mia Mottley. “On behalf of a grateful nation, but an even more proud people, we present to you, the designated national hero of Barbados, Ambassador Robyn Rihanna Fenty,” he began.
Motley even made a reference to the hit “Diamonds” (2012) in his speech. “May you continue to shine like a diamond and honor your nation through your works, your actions,” added the prime minister.
Rihanna was born in Saint Michael, Barbados, and, before moving to the United States, grew up in Bridgetown. The event was also held in Bridgetown and formalized Barbados as a republic.
Barbados was independent from the United Kingdom since 1966, but only in this second did it officialize the transition from monarchy to republican government, causing Queen Elizabeth II to leave the position of head of state on the island.
According to information from the AFP, the republic will now be governed by Sandra Mason, governor general of the country, after her election on 21 October. “I, Sandra Prunella Mason, swear to be faithful and maintain true loyalty to Barbados according to the law, with God’s help,” the new president declared in her oath.
Despite this, Barbados remains a member of the Commonwealth organization, as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson noted in a statement. “We will follow unconditional friends and allies, drawing on the enduring affinities and connections between our peoples and the special bond of the Commonwealth,” he wrote.
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