Singer and entrepreneur Rihanna was declared a national hero of Barbados as the country celebrated becoming a republic for the first time in history. She received the honour on Monday (29 November) from Prime Minister Mia Mottley. 

Rihanna is considered as Barbados’ most famous citizen, and back in 2018 she was appointed an official ambassador for culture and youth.

“Ambassador Robyn Rihanna Fenty has given service to Barbados which has been exemplified by visionary and pioneering leadership,” Mottley said during the ceremony. 

Mottley explained that the pop star came from humble origins and was born less than a mile from where the ceremony was taking place. “May you continue to shine like a diamond,” Mottley stated. 

Throughout her career, Rihanna has remained connected to her Caribbean heritage. It can be seen from how she has never softened her Bajan accent and keeps incorporating her culture in her music. 

The next day (30 November) in a separate ceremony, Rihanna received a large medal emblazoned with the outline of Barbados. 

“This is a day that I will never, ever forget. It’s also a day that I never saw coming,” she said in a brief speech.

“I have traveled the world and received several awards and recognitions, but nothing, nothing compares to being recognised in the soil that you grew in,” she added.