Rihanna has grown into a full-blown megastar and has been awarded many accolades throughout her career. But she recently received one of the highest accomplishment in her native Barbados. On Nov. 29, the island of Barbados officially declared itself a Republic and also named Rihanna as the National Hero of Barbados.
“On behalf of a grateful nation, but an even prouder people, we therefore present to you the designee for national hero of Barbados, Ambassador Robyn Rihanna Fenty. May you continue to shine like a diamond and bring honor to your nation by your works, by your actions and to do credit wherever you shall go,” said Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley.
While the country removed Queen Elizabeth II from the head of state and sworn in Governor-General Sandra Mason as the country’s first elected president, at the same stage Rihanna also received her “National Hero of Barbados” honor. She is the first one since 1998 when former cricket player Garfield St. Aubrun Sobers was given the honor. The title comes after the Barbados government made Rihanna an ambassador in charge of helping bring tourism and investment to the country in 2018.