Barbados recognizes Rihanna as a national hero

Sandra Mason becomes today the president of the Republic of Barbados, which previously had

Queen Elizabeth II as head of state.

The move to republican status coincided with the 55th anniversary of the independence of the Caribbean

island, which was a British colony until 1966 and until Tuesday remained tied to the Crown.

After a 21-shot salute, Mason took the oath of office and assured that with this transition the

Barbadians, some 280,000 inhabitants, will be able to "take full advantage" of the essence of their sovereignty.

Thus, the world's newest republic, Barbados officially declared its most famous citizen, singer Rihanna, a national hero.

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley told the crowd, "On behalf of a grateful nation, but an even prouder

people, we present to you Barbados' designated national heroine, Ambassador Robyn Rihanna Fenty."

"May you continue to shine like a diamond and bring honor to your nation with your deeds, with your

actions and make merit wherever you go," Mottley said.

In fact, the makeup and fashion mogul was named Barbados' ambassador 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."

She also became one of the Caribbean island nation's cultural ambassadors in 2008, doing promotional

work for its Ministry of Tourism.

In addition to Rihanna, the heir to the crown, Prince Charles was also present at the ceremony.

The Prince of Wales arrived this Sunday in the former British colony on behalf of his mother Elizabeth II

to participate in official events.

Finally, the Caribbean island of Barbados cut ties with the British monarchy by becoming a republic

almost 400 years after the first English ship arrived on the Caribbean island.