Archive for February 23rd, 2008
Rihanna Rewards. Well Done Prime Minister Thompson & Bajan Donors!
Bajan Free Press highly commends prime minister David Thompson and other respective Barbadians for the rewards and honours bestowed on Bajan singer Rihanna on Thursday night.
It is important that we honour and acknowledge our own, because even if they are rich enough to buy their own bling (as Rihanna is), the act of giving shows our appreciation, which has far more value than any land, Land Rover, diamonds or gold.
Bajan Free Press
http://www.nationnews.com/story/295723732175256.php
RI-WARD
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BARBADOS has a new ambassador.
She is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, who was designated an honorary Youth and Cultural Ambassador at a huge rally and concert in her honour in Independence Square last night.
In making the announcement, Prime Minister David Thompson paid tribute to the young Grammy Award winner, noting that she had copped the award at the tender age of 19 on a first-time nomination.
The proclamation, read by Minister of Culture Steve Blackett, said in part:
* “Whereas the Government and the people of Barbados truly acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable achievements of Robyn Rihanna Fenty;
* “And whereas such an accomplishment has brought significant honour and deserving recognition not only to Rihanna but also to her beloved country and has elevated Barbados to the forefront of the entertainment world;
* “And whereas this phenomenal success has come at so tender an age evoking invaluable inspiration and motivation to youth everywhere;
* “And whereas all Barbados stands proud in the face of this honour and gives full support to Rihanna on her continuing path;
“Be it now proclaimed in Bridgetown, Barbados . . .that the Government of Barbados designates Robyn Rihanna Fenty an honorary Youth and Cultural Ambassador of this country.”
As Thompson made the announcement there were loud screams from the thousands of Barbadians who converged on Independence Square to see the singing superstar as she was saluted by the crème de la crème of local artistes.
It was just before 4 p.m. that Rihanna arrived at the Grantley Adams International Airport where she was also greeted by Cabinet ministers, relatives and hundreds of well-wishers and supporters.
But that number paled in comparison to the thousands, many carrying umbrellas to identify with her award winning song, who journeyed to Bridgetown last night.
That crowd erupted in thunderous applause when the 20-year-old jewel of the isle made a dramatic entrance on a yacht which sailed into the inner basin of the Careenage just before 9:30 p.m.
Besides the national honour bestowed on her, the Prime Minister also announced that the Government would be giving Rihanna “a piece of the rock” in Apes Hill, St James. (CG)
http://www.nationnews.com/story/296202202284054.php
Ri call
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by TRACY MOORE and DONNA SEALY
IT WAS A CELEBRATION fit for royalty.
Dubbed Believe, A Tribute To Rihanna, thousands of people took up every iota of available space – from Fairchild Street along Charles Duncan O’Neal Bridge onto the Upper Wharf Road, then cramming into Independence Square.
The bronze figure of the Father of Independence and National Hero, Errol Barrow, towering nine feet tall above, stood with a watchful eye as some of Barbados’ finest artistes, like Richard Stoute, RPB, Kid Site, Philip 7, Edwin Yearwood and daughter Rhadika, and several of Pyramid Entertainment Management Inc’s artistes, paid tribute to the Grammy Award-winning Robyn Rihanna Fenty.
Many had a bird’s eye view from windows in the National Insurance Building, Sunjet House, and on the deck of Limelight Cafe, Brigade House.
While those lucky enough to get close sat in front of the stage in the amphitheatre, others watched the close to three-hour show on one of the six large screens strategically placed around the Square.
The show, which started an hour late, was hosted by emcees Kevin KB Kleen Hinds and Toni Hurricane Hinkson under a starry sky complete with a full moon. So good was the weather that the only umbrellas that came out on Thursday night were the ones from the opening act Danse Nationale, who performed a well-choreographed number to the honouree’s
chart-topping hit, Umbrella.
Then, about 9:10 p.m. the historical Chamberlain Bridge rose up to the skies, like the parting of the Red Sea, and The Regent, a white sail boat under the captaincy of cancer survivor Andrew Burke, entered the Careenage, following a small Coast Guard boat, carrying the celebrated daughter of the soil, Rihanna.
Wearing a bright yellow dress, Rihanna smiled radiantly to the chants of her name, as the song, She’s Royal, blasted from the speakers. But, it was to the fans’ delight when Burke brought her closer to the edge of the Square so that all could get a better view.
However, that was when the thousands caught sight of international recording star Chris Brown on board. He is rumoured to be linked romantically to Rihanna.
It was mayhem!
Women of all ages screamed and chanted his name, while others cried at seeing him.
But that didn’t stop the show – one which Rihanna and her guests caught about an hour of, but seemed to enjoy, as they rocked to the joyous gospel songs of Paula Hinds & Friends, Biggie Irie‘s reggae tribute to Grammy Award-winning producer Jimmy Haynes, and intently watched as Livvi Franc, accompanied by Arturo Tappin, sang Rihanna‘s Unfaithful.
When it was birthday cake time, the superstar who turned 20 on Wednesday, was welcomed on stage to a purple and white birthday
cake shaped as an umbrella, compliments of the Barbados Tourism Authority.
But that was just the beginning. She also received “a piece of the rock” in Apes Hill, St James, a brand new LR2 Land Rover from Warrens Motors in a colour of her choice, a diamond bangle from Colombian Emeralds, a “trip” on the Concorde from Hanschell Inniss, while Simpson Motors made a substantial contribution to her Believe Foundation for sick and needy children.
1 comment Saturday, 23 February 2008, 9:27 pm
