barbados
On the night Barbadians celebrated their independence, they honored one of their own, superstar Rihanna.
Rakim Mayers was seized at Los Angeles International Airport after arriving on a private jet from Barbados with his girlfriend Rihanna.
"May you continue to shine like a diamond, and bring honor to your nation," the prime minister said at an event marking the country's new status as a republic.
Sandra Mason was sworn in as the first president of the former British colony during Monday's celebrations.
WHAT'S HAPPENING
The former British colony is set to become a republic on Nov. 30, the 55th anniversary of its independence from Britain.
"My hand was shaking when I pressed the 'pay now' button for the visa. I couldn’t believe that I was about to go and live in Barbados."
The move comes two months after Barbados announced plans to replace Queen Elizabeth as its head of state and move on from its colonial past.
“The time has come to fully leave our colonial past behind,” said Barbados Governor General Sandra Mason.
If temperatures rise to the levels forecast, countries around the world should expect destabilization, said the island's prime minister.
Mia Amor Mottley even earned the backing of the country's most recognizable national: Rihanna.