New Republic Barbados Names Rihanna A National Hero

As Barbados becomes the world’s newest republic, the islanders officially declare their most famous citizen, Rihanna, a national hero.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley presented the honor to the 33-year-old Grammy award-winning singer and businesswoman.

Rihanna was called up before the crowds to be congratulated by Mottley, the leader of Barbados’s republican movement.

“May you continue to shine like a diamond and bring honor to your nation by your works, by your actions.”

Rihanna, whose full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, was born in Saint Michael in Barbados and grew up in Bridgetown before moving to the United States as a teenager to pursue a career in music.

She has since become one of the best-selling artists of all time, created a successful clothing and cosmetics line, and became a billionaire (according to Forbes).

With accomplishments like these, we say she deserves this title. Congratulations, Rihanna!