“May you continue to shine like a diamond” – Barbados declares Rihanna a National Hero

Barbados declared hit singer Rihanna a national hero at its republican celebrations in her hometown of Bridgetown.

Barbados removed Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state and declared itself a republic on Tuesday. After swearing allegiance to the new president, Sandra Mason, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley honored Rihanna at the country’s celebrations of becoming a republic.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced that the 33-year-old would be conferred with the honour of National Hero of Barbados to cheers. Rihanna was called up before the crowds to be congratulated by Mottley.

“May you continue to shine like a diamond and bring honour to your nation by your works, by your actions,” Mottley told Rihanna, a reference to her 2012 chart-topping single “Diamonds”.

Rihanna was born in Barbados.