Barbados Became a Republic and Declared Rihanna a National Hero

Barbados, which became a republic at midnight and said goodbye to the reign of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, declared the singer Rihanna a national hero, world agencies reported. The decision was announced by Prime Minister Mia Mottley during the lavish celebrations announcing the Barbadian Republic. Rihanna accepted the honor.

At midnight, Barbados officially declared itself a republic and no longer recognized Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state. The island nation of the Caribbean, known for its paradise beaches, rum and world-born star Rihanna, already has another head of state. This is Sandra Mason, who until now was the governor general of the country. Mason, 72, a judge and prosecutor as well as Barbados 'ambassador to Colombia, Venezuela, Chile and Brazil, was sworn in as head of state at midnight in Barbados' capital, Bridgetown. The lavish ceremony at Heroes' Square was marked by the replacement of the British Queen's flag with the country's flag. "The people of Barbados must shape the country's future. The people are the guardians of the country," he said in her first speech as President Mason. The national anthem sounded at the ceremony and 21 cannon salutes rang out.

Prince Charles, son of Elizabeth II and heir to the British throne, came especially for the ceremony in Barbados. He conveyed to the local authorities the warmest greetings from his mother. "The creation of this republic is an opportunity for a new beginning," Charles said. "From the darkest days of our past and the appalling cruelty of slavery that has forever marked our history, the people of this island have built their own path with extraordinary strength of spirit," Charles added.

Due to the proclamation ceremony of the republic, the...