Rihanna has ‘arrived in Barbados for the inauguration of its first president’, according to local media reports.
The singer, 33, who was born on the Caribbean island and appointed Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary by her home country’s government in 2018, is reportedly going to be among the dignitaries attending Tuesday’s ceremony.
Barbados is the new republic of the world. After 55 years as the head of state, the Queen has been removed and the first President, Governor General Dame Sandra Mason, swears in.
Local media Kevz Politics tweeted this evening: ‘Multiple media reports indicate that Ambassador Robyn @rihanna Fenty has landed in Barbados and is listed among dignitaries to be present tonight for the Inauguration of Barbados’ first President Dame Sandra Mason.’
MailOnline is yet to confirm that Rihanna will be attending the Inauguration in Barbados.
Local media reported that Rihanna (pictured, above) arrived in Barbados to witness the inaugural of Barbados’ first president.
The singer, 33, who was born on the Caribbean island and appointed Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary by her home country’s government in 2018, is said to be among the dignitaries attending Tuesday’s ceremony. Pictured, Dame Sandra Mason in 2018
MailOnline has reached Rihanna’s representatives to get their comments.
In 2018, Rihanna was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary in her home country.
This is her specific role in the post.
Prince Charles is still available. On Sunday evening, the ministerial Jet Voyager arrived in the Caribbean. Scott FurssedonnWood, Britain’s High Commissioner to Barbados, led a large diplomatic delegation.
Mia Motley (Barbarian prime minister) and other military leaders were part of a red carpet that was laid out and introduced to the prince. A Guard of Honour, a military band and Guard of Honour were also part of the welcome group. To mark the arrival of the prince, a 21-gun salute was heard across Grantley Adams International Airport.
In a speech at just after midnight in Bridgetown tonight, the Prince of Wales will highlight the shared goals and enduring bonds between Barbados and the UK during a ceremony marking the Caribbean country’s transition to a republic. After the Royal Standard is lowered, the Presidential Standard (flag pole) will replace it.
Prince Charles (pictured) arrived in the Caribbean via the ministerial plane Voyager on Sunday evening. He was welcomed by Scott Furssedonn, the high commissioner of Britain to Barbados.
Prince of Wales arrives at Barbados to be greeted and embraced by Lady Sandra Mason
The Prince was at the Handover of Hong Kong to China 1997, and also represented Queen Elizabeth when Zimbabwe became independent in 1980.
Barbados will still be part of the Commonwealth of Nations. It is an organisation of former British colonies, which is headed Queen Elizabeth II. Charles will be awarded the Freedom of Barbados for his extraordinary services to Barbados and the Caribbean diaspora.
However, demonstrations can be expected throughout the day. Some Bajans want an apology from the UK Government and the UK monarchy for their slavery. Some islanders are concerned that the referendum was not held on the matter. Barbados’ constitution permitted its political leaders freedom to seek independence without the need for a vote.
Barbados was established in 1966 and has held the position of head of government. But the topic of the country becoming independent has been debated at national levels over the decades. In 1998, this process started. Until Tuesday, Barbados is one of the Queen’s 16 realms – countries where she is head of state – and in the Caribbean region other countries include Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Belize, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and St Vincent.
Charles will tell the nation that it’s important for him to attend this event in Bridgetown to “reaffirm the things which don’t change” as a major constitutional shift occurs.
The heir to the throne will deliver his address just after midnight, local time, as Barbados begins a new chapter in its history on November 30 – the 55th anniversary of independence from Britain – after its first president Dame Sandra Mason is sworn in.
A file photograph shows the Queen and Dame Sandra Mason meeting. As head of state, Dame Sandra Mason will succeed the Queen.
The decision of Barbados to remove Queen Elizabeth as Head of State will be closely watched by the Commonwealth, particularly in the Caribbean.
Charles will say the following during the National Heroes Square ceremony: “As your constitution changes, it was important for me that you join me to affirm those things which don’t change.”
He will go on to give examples of the ties that will remain – ‘the close and trusted partnership between Barbados and the United Kingdom as vital members of the Commonwealth’ and ‘our common determination to defend the values we both cherish and to pursue the goals we share’.
Charles is also expected to celebrate the cultural, social and economic bonds between the UK and Barbados, ‘the myriad connections between the people of our countries – through which flow admiration and affection, co-operation and opportunity – strengthening and enriching us all’.
Barbados follows other Caribbean countries that have dropped the Queen’s head of state. Guyana became a republic in 1970. Trinidad and Tobago followed in 1976 and Dominica in 2002.
Jamaicans have also expressed their desire for an elected head state in recent years. Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated that it was a priority for his government but it has not been achieved.
Charles will also be speaking about his friendship with Barbados since the first visit 50 years ago. He is expected to praise the valuable contribution of the Barbadian diaspora here in the UK.
Service personnel will parade past the prince to give the final salute before the queen’s standard drops and the president flag is raised.