Barbados recognizes Rihanna as "national hero"

Barbados abandons colonial ties with the British monarchy 2:44

(CNN) -

Rihanna's homeland wants her to continue to "shine like a diamond."

The singer was honored on Monday in her native Barbados during the celebration of the presidential inauguration, which marked the country's conversion into a republic.

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley told the crowd: "On behalf of a grateful nation, but an even prouder people, we present to you the designated National Hero of Barbados, Ambassador Robyn Rihanna Fenty."

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"May you continue to shine like a diamond and bring honor to your nation with your works, with your actions and that you make merit wherever you go," said Mottley.

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The makeup and fashion mogul was named an ambassador for Barbados in 2018.

According to a statement from the Barbados Government Information Office released at the time, the position gives the celebrity "specific responsibility for promoting education, tourism and investment for the island."

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She also became one of the cultural ambassadors of the Caribbean island country in 2008, doing promotional work for its Ministry of Tourism.

In a move that was widely supported in the country, Barbados formally cut ties with the British monarchy by becoming a republic nearly 400 years after the first English ship arrived on the Caribbean island.

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