Award-winning singer and business mogul, Rihanna Fenty was declared a national hero on Monday night during the Republic ceremony of Barbados and we are excited to celebrate this milestone with her. The singer was honored by the Prime Minister, Mia Mottley who praised her career journey and extraordinary commitment to her land of birth. Rihanna had previously served her country when she was named ambassador of youth, culture, and tourism in 2008. The musical star is known for embracing and promoting her cultural heritage even in her songs. This development makes her the 11^th Barbadian to gain recognition and the 2^nd alive to receive the honor after Garfield Sobers, the cricketer.

The small island, Barbados, celebrated her transition to a republic.  Barbados gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1966 but Queen Elizabeth (II) remained her head of state since then. Dame Sandra Mason officially takes over as the first president of the country. Mason was elected in October by the parliament ahead of the country’s transition into a republic.

By: Victoria Oyebande

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