As she should be, Robyn Rihanna Fenty was declared a national hero of Barbados on Monday by Prime Minister Mia Mottley. The ceremony was part of a Barbados’ first presidential inauguration held in Bridgeton, marking the end of the country’s formal relationship with the British monarchy. Sandra Mason, the incumbent governor-general of Barbados, was elected president, and she replaced Queen Elizabeth II as head of state of Barbados when she was sworn in on November 30, 2021.
Referencing her 2012 smash hit “Diamonds,” Prime Minister Mia Mottley stated, “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.”
Making a big fashion statement, the 33-year-old CEO and music creative wore a copper-colored Bottega Veneta gown to accept the honor. Reflecting a conservative mindset on dress, some commenters criticized Rihanna for wearing a dress without a bra to a formal ceremony.
The following day, Rihanna wore a white Maximilian dress and suit to attend Barbados’ National Honors ceremony and Independence Day Parade. Making the ultimate statement, she accessorized with with her National Hero medal. Attending the event with her brother, Rory Fenty, they subsequently visited Builders of Barbados Wall to view a brick inscribed with her family’s surname.
Rihanna joins a select group of 10 other Barbadians who have been recognized as living national hero. In 2018, Rihanna was appointed as an Ambassador of Barbados by the country’s government.
While Rihanna has become something of a globe trotter as she tends to her various businesses, she still retains a home in Barbados where she often spends her holidays with family.
