Barbados has been a territory of Great Britain for over 300 years, until now. The Parliament of Barbados nearly unanimously choose Dame Sandra Mason to be the first president and head of state of Barbados.
It is historic to see women become the first in anything, and especially in terms of global leaders and politicians. Mason earned her right through her career. She started as a teacher in the public system then worked her way up through several twists and turns to serve as the representative General Governor of Barbados to Queen Elizabeth II leading up to her promotion.
One of her first duties as President Of Barbados? She made Rihanna a national hero. This presidency is off to a good start, uplifting women of Barbados and setting a promising stage for growth for the country, and equality for the people of Barbados.
Dame Sandra Mason, First President Of Barbados
Mason is no beginner when it comes to serving her country. Born into a working-class family and community, she worked her way through the public system.
Her first job was as a teacher in the public system, but later she earned a law degree from the University Of The West Indies in 1975, which launched her career in the public in a new direction.
Mason credits her success to the educational system in Barbados, which is free. Meaning Bajans can go to school and university for free, without fees or graduating with debt.
After passing the bar exam, for which she was the first woman to do in Barbados, Mason worked as a lawyer in a bank, learning about law and economics, before pursuing a career in politics. In 1997, she reached Registrar of the Supreme Court of Barbados.
Although, in 2017 Queen Elizabeth II announced that Mason would become the General Governor, and in the same ceremony Mason was given the title Dame of Grand Cross Of The Most Distinguished Order. This promotion was what eventually lead to her election as President at age 72, and for which she is leading Barbados into a future as a Republic.
While Mason's career is impressive, she says that her greatest accomplishment is her son Matthew, who is also a lawyer. In her free time, she enjoys playing scrabble, reading, watching cricket and traveling.
Rihanna Named A National Hero Of Barbados
At Mason's inauguration ceremony, she also made Rihanna a National Hero of Barbados, signifying her will to share the stage with fellow women and uplift women in the communities of Barbados.
As you may know, Rihanna is from Barbados and came to the U.S. as a teen for her musical career. These days, Rihanna has more of less put music behind her and gone on to become a self-made billionaire through the fashion and beauty product industry.
Her brand, Fenty has gone viral as a thoughtful lingerie and beauty product brand. Fenty makes makeup and beauty products for all skin types and tones. Rihanna was tired of the industry whitewashing makeup, so she made her own because she wants all people to feel beautiful when they use it.
The same went for her lingerie line, she wants people of all figures and shapes to feel good in their bodies. If you haven't seen the Fenty Fashion show, go watch it this weekend to see how Rihanna celebrates diversity and expression in fashion and beauty.
Rihanna is also a passionate citizen of Barbados since 2018 she has acted as an ambassador for culture and youth, but she has never stopped advocating for her people and culture. Her accent alone is a statement that she stands with her Bajan roots now and always.
When Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who is also the first female prime minister of Barbados since 2018, announced Ambassador Robyn Rihanna Fenty as a National hero Of Barbados she quoted, "May You Always Shine Like A Diamond."
The Future For Women Of Barbados
Mason and Rihanna have declared a future for Barbados, and especially for uplifting female voices, ideas and movements.
Mason dreams of the Caribbean to have a union similar to the EU, in which the countries work together for economy and politics. Among her dreams to see a unified state, she also envisions equality for her community as they work towards establishing a republic.
While Rihanna may live overseas, part of the millions of dollars from her Fenty Beauty Empire are donated to her fund, Clara Lionel Foundation, for which she named after her grandparents, which set up funding to support Barbados during hurricanes as well as medical care.
The world eagerly awaits to see what the amazing women of Barbados will continue to put into the world and leave their impact.
