Prime minister of Barbados Mia Mottle has awarded Rihanna as national hero title during their independence celebration.
The pop singer, whose real name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, is becoming the second woman to receive that honor for their country.
In the capital of Bridgetown, where Rihanna was raised, Mottley declared, “On behalf of a grateful nation, but an even prouder people, we therefore present to you the designee for national hero for Barbados, ambassador Robyn Rihanna Fenty.”
She continued, “May you continue to shine like a diamond and bring honor to your nation by your works, by your actions.”
In 2008, former Prime Minister David Thompson had declared February 22 as “Rihanna Day,” which Barbadians celebrate every year. In 2018, the “Umbrella” singer was given the honorary title of Ambassador for Culture and Youth in Barbados.
Although the Caribbean island nation declared independence from the UK in 1966, it continued to recognize Queen Elizabeth II as its monarch. England first colonized Barbados in 1627 and used it as a stop on the slave trade route.
As of Monday, November 30, Barbados has officially declared itself a republic and severed ties with Queen Elizabeth II. Dame Sandra Mason, 72, has been sworn in as the country’s first president, ousting Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state.
