Barbados, which on Tuesday became the last republic to date born in the world, soon made superstar Rihanna one of its national heroines.
Already independent from the United Kingdom since 1966, the easternmost island of the Caribbean, 300 km from Venezuela, celebrated its transition to republican rule after some four centuries of subjection to the British sovereign.
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The 33-year-old singer and businesswoman, born in Barbados, had already been conferred in 2018 the title of Ambassador Plenipotentiary of the Island State, responsible for promoting tourism, education and investments. Rihanna "
made the whole world dream with her quest for excellence, her creativity, her discipline and above all her extraordinary commitment to her homeland
," Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley told the assembled dignitaries. for the official ceremony during which the new president elected in October, Sandra Mason, was sworn in. “
On behalf of a grateful country, and an even more proud people, we present to you the person designated as National Hero of Barbados, theAmbassador Robyn Rihanna Fenty
Ms. Mottley continued, inviting the RnB singer to join her.
"May you continue to shine like a diamond and cover your country with honor with your words and actions"
Mia Mottley, Barbadian Prime Minister
Cricketer Garfield Sobers, Barbados' only other national hero alive, gave the hug to Rihanna who wore a black mask on her face like most of the participants.
His new title will be conferred on him on Wednesday, said the Prime Minister.
“
May you continue to shine like a diamond and cover your country with honor with your words and actions,
” she said again, hinting at one of the singer's greatest hits,
Diamonds
( 2012).
Rihanna made a meteoric entry onto the international music scene in 2003. She grew her success in the vats into a massive empire in the fashion and beauty industries and her entrepreneurial talent catapulted her into the superstar. rich. Her earnings now eclipse those of superstars like Madonna and Beyoncé. She weighs $ 1.7 billion, which makes her one of the richest musicians on the planet, the
Forbes
magazine announced in August.
.
About 1.4 billion of his fortune comes according to the magazine from his make-up brand, Fenty Beauty, created in partnership with the French luxury giant LVMH.
Although she hasn't released an album since 2016, the singer remains a huge influence online, with more than a hundred million followers on Instagram and Twitter.
The ceremony took place in the presence of Prince Charles who recognized "
the appalling atrocity of slavery
" suffered by the island during British colonization.
The ceremony was not open to the public but the curfew linked to the pandemic has been suspended so that residents can enjoy the festivities.