At the celebration for becoming a Republic, Barbados's prime minister, Mia Mottley, declared music sensation Rihanna a national hero and wished that she may always 'shine like a diamond': referring to the global star's 2021 smash hit, 'Diamonds'.

At the celebration for becoming a Republic, Barbados's prime minister, Mia Mottley, declared music sensation Rihanna a national hero and wished that she may always 'shine like a diamond': referring to the global star's 2021 smash hit, 'Diamonds'. "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 may you continue to shine like a diamond," said Mia Mottley as Barbados became the world’s newest republic. Also read: A new republic is born: Barbados ditches Britain's Queen Elizabeth Rihanna, looked stunning in a string-orange gown, accepted the honour while the crowd gathered for the republican ceremony cheered her on. Interestingly, Barbados' grand celebrations took place in Rihanna's hometown of Bridgetown. Prime Minister Mia Mottley also announced that the Grammy-winning artiste would be conferred with the National Hero of Barbados honour amid thunderous clapping and hooting. Also read: Barbados: Journey from being a British colony to a Republic Rihanna was called on stage to be personally congratulated by PM Mottley. "May you continue to shine like a diamond and bring honour to your nation by your works, by your actions," Mottley told Rihanna. Also read: UK fashion awards honour Virgil Abloh and other big-hitters Check out all of Rihanna's pictures and videos from the event here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by RIHANNA FRANCE 🇫🇷 (@rihannaextasy) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝕽𝖎𝖍𝖆𝖓𝖓𝖆 🇧🇷 (@rihannaxbrasil) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by @BarrieHype (@barriehype) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rihanna (@ririfabfenty) ×

Barbados declares Rihanna 'national hero' at republic ceremony: Watch

Barbados: Journey from being a British colony to a Republic

The Caribbean island nation of Barbados severed its centuries-old ties to the British monarchy by displacing Queen Elizabeth II as head of state and declaring itself the world's newest republic.

Dame Sandra Mason was inaugurated as the first president at midnight (0400 GMT/0930 IST) with the Royal Standard flag representing the queen lowered in the capital Bridgetown.

Prince Charles, heir to the British throne, stood somberly as Queen Elizabeth's royal standard was lowered and the new&nbsp;Barbados&nbsp;declared, a step which republicans hope will spur discussion of similar proposals in other former British colonies that have Queen Elizabeth as their sovereign.

After a dazzling performance of Barbadian dance and music, which included speeches celebrating the end of colonialism, Barbadian singer Rihanna was named a national hero by Prime Minister Mia Mottley, leader of Barbados' republican movement.

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In Barbados, the removal of Elizabeth II, who is still the queen of 15 other realms, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and Jamaica, is seen as a way to finally break free of the demons of its colonial past.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Barbados about to become the world's newest republic

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The country will remain a member of the Commonwealth, a grouping of 54 nations across Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe. The&nbsp;new era has sparked debate over colonialism, Britain's centuries of influence and more than 200 years of slavery until 1834.

"I remember in the old days we would be really excited about the Queen and Prince Charles and Princess Diana and royal weddings," says Anastasia Smith, a 61-year-old nurse.

"But I don't know if we ever quite saw them as our royal family. Now, everybody is talking about a republic. I'm not sure that anything about my life is going to change. But I think we're doing the right thing and it's a proud moment for Barbados."

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Many Barbadians disagree that replacing the queen is the most pressing issue, citing the economic turmoil caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, which has exposed the country's overreliance on tourism -- which is, ironically, dependent on British tourists.

"I know it is something that we were going towards for a very long time, but I think it came at a time which is not necessarily the best time considering our economic situation and the Covid situation," said 27-year-old office manager Nikita Stuart.

The eerie calm in usually bustling Bridgetown, the lack of tourists at popular attractions, and the dead nightlife scene all point to a country struggling after years of relative prosperity.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/barbados-establishes-worlds-first-metaverse-embassy-429858">Barbados establishes world's first metaverse embassy</a>

The unemployment rate has jumped to nearly 16 per cent from nine per cent recently, and the country has just eased a longstanding curfew imposed by COVID-19, shifting it from 9:00 pm to midnight.

Some see the end of the queen's reign as a necessary step towards financial reparations for the historical consequences of the use of slaves brought from Africa for work on sugar plantations.

In many Barbadians' eyes, replacing the British monarch is merely a matter of catching up with how the nation has felt for decades.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Caribbean island nation of Barbados severed its centuries-old ties to the British monarchy by displacing Queen Elizabeth II as head of state and declaring itself the world's newest republic.

The Caribbean island nation of Barbados severed its centuries-old ties to the British monarchy by displacing Queen Elizabeth II as head of state and declaring itself the world's newest republic. Dame Sandra Mason was inaugurated as the first president at midnight (0400 GMT/0930 IST) with the Royal Standard flag representing the queen lowered in the capital Bridgetown. Prince Charles, heir to the British throne, stood somberly as Queen Elizabeth's royal standard was lowered and the new Barbados declared, a step which republicans hope will spur discussion of similar proposals in other former British colonies that have Queen Elizabeth as their sovereign. After a dazzling performance of Barbadian dance and music, which included speeches celebrating the end of colonialism, Barbadian singer Rihanna was named a national hero by Prime Minister Mia Mottley, leader of Barbados' republican movement. In Barbados, the removal of Elizabeth II, who is still the queen of 15 other realms, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and Jamaica, is seen as a way to finally break free of the demons of its colonial past. Watch | Barbados about to become the world's newest republic The country will remain a member of the Commonwealth, a grouping of 54 nations across Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe. The new era has sparked debate over colonialism, Britain's centuries of influence and more than 200 years of slavery until 1834. "I remember in the old days we would be really excited about the Queen and Prince Charles and Princess Diana and royal weddings," says Anastasia Smith, a 61-year-old nurse. "But I don't know if we ever quite saw them as our royal family. Now, everybody is talking about a republic. I'm not sure that anything about my life is going to change. But I think we're doing the right thing and it's a proud moment for Barbados." Many Barbadians disagree that replacing the queen is the most pressing issue, citing the economic turmoil caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, which has exposed the country's overreliance on tourism -- which is, ironically, dependent on British tourists. "I know it is something that we were going towards for a very long time, but I think it came at a time which is not necessarily the best time considering our economic situation and the Covid situation," said 27-year-old office manager Nikita Stuart. The eerie calm in usually bustling Bridgetown, the lack of tourists at popular attractions, and the dead nightlife scene all point to a country struggling after years of relative prosperity. Also read | Barbados establishes world's first metaverse embassy The unemployment rate has jumped to nearly 16 per cent from nine per cent recently, and the country has just eased a longstanding curfew imposed by COVID-19, shifting it from 9:00 pm to midnight. Some see the end of the queen's reign as a necessary step towards financial reparations for the historical consequences of the use of slaves brought from Africa for work on sugar plantations. In many Barbadians' eyes, replacing the British monarch is merely a matter of catching up with how the nation has felt for decades. (With inputs from agencies)

A new republic is born: Barbados ditches Britain's Queen Elizabeth