365 years after the British took over Barbados, the Barbadians have kicked out the British and become the worlds newest republic. And they made Rihanna the first ‘National Hero.’
After embracing the newly sworn-in president, Sandra Mason, the acclaimed Barbados-born star accepted the historic honour as the televised ceremony took place and guests in attendance celebrated the star’s latest accolade.
Rihanna wore a bronze, silk Bottega Veneta gown.
“Republic Barbados has set sail on her maiden voyage,” Mason said in her inauguration speech as the first president of the country, recognising the “complex, fractured and turbulent world” it would need to navigate.
“Our country must dream big dreams and fight to realise them,” the former governor-general told those gathered for the ceremony.
Prince Charles was also in attendance, saying; “the creation of this republic offers a new beginning. From the darkest days of our past and the appalling atrocity of slavery, which forever stains our history, people of this island forged their path with extraordinary fortitude.”
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