Barbados ended its allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II, casting off a major vestige of the country's colonial past and embracing its new identity as a republic for the first time in almost 400 years. During the ceremony, Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley honored global superstar Rihanna, a native of Barbados, as a national hero during the presidential inauguration. "On behalf of a grateful nation, but an even prouder people, we therefore present to you the designee for national hero of Barbados, Ambassador Robyn Rihanna Fenty," Mottley said. "May you continue to shine like a diamond and bring honor to your nation by your works, by your actions, and to do credit where you shall go. God bless you, my dear," she continued, as the singer humbly placed her hand over her heart and bowed her head, mouthing thank you. During the national independence honors ceremony, the singer also gave a speech, addressing the citizens of her homeland. "This is a day I will never ever forget. It's also...
