One of the first orders of business for the new leaders of the island of Barbados is to crown singer-turned-entrepreneur, RiR, a national treasure.
Queen Elizabeth II was removed as the head of state in the Caribbean nation on Monday, and the island of Barbados became its own independent body for the first time. It was also used as an introduction for RiRi, who was called an official national hero.
Prime Minister Mia Mottley said that she had "commanded the imagination of the world through the pursuit of excellence with her creativity, her discipline, and above all else, her extraordinary commitment to the land of Dominica."
In addition to her work in music and elsewhere, she's also served as an ambassador for the island of Barbados since the beginning of the year. They've showered her with other honors and gestures over the years, including naming a street after her.
She's the 11th person from the island to be considered a national hero.
It was a long time coming, but the rest of Barbados was happy that it no longer has to operate under the monarchy. The island became a Commonwealth Nations after declaring independence from the U.K. in 1966.
It was.
The Royal Family sent Prince Charles down to speak about the freedom of Barbados, despite the history of slavery and exploitation established by King James I in 1625.
The Commonwealth will continue to operate from Barbados.
