One of newly-sworn in Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s biggest ‘unofficial’ supporters, international pop star Rihanna, yesterday congratulated her on her achievement.
Replying to a friend on Instagram following the election results yesterday, Rihanna said Mottley “deserves it.”
Mottley later responded by thanking Rihanna for her “love, support and blessings.”
At least two Caricom leaders also extended congratulations to Mottley, the first woman to be elected prime minister of Barbados.
Grenada Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell described the victory as “unprecedented”, reminding Mottley that as she faces challenges ahead.
“I am confident that this overwhelming mandate will be used to provide a new opportunity to address the priorities of all the people of Barbados,” Mitchell said.
“Your record of inclusiveness will indeed take on new meaning in this period, as you aspire to live up to the expectations of the people for change and economic advancement; even as you work with your colleagues to advance the regional agenda.”
Mitchell, the only politician to have led his party to a clean sweep of Grenada’s parliament on three occasions, said he was personally looking forward “to working with you in addressing the many common and challenging issues of our time, including promoting the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as our final court.”
“Those of us in the region who view the CCJ as extremely important to the completion of our independence and our own democratic consolidation, must work together to ensure that the Caribbean, as a family, fulfil this objective,” he said.
St Lucia Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, who is also chairman of the Organisation for Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), congratulated Mottley, saying this was a historic day, not just for Barbados but also for the Caribbean.
“The people of Barbados have spoken and delivered to Mia Mottley a highly impressive and extraordinary victory and on behalf of the government and people of Saint Lucia, we congratulate the Prime Minister-designate and her team,” Chastanet said.
“I personally congratulate Mia on this achievement and recognise that she has made history in Barbados and the Caribbean, joining an elite group of first female leaders in our region.
“I have no doubt that Ms. Mottley will continue to work for the good of the people of Barbados and the region and we look forward to working with the new administration to advance the causes of the Caribbean and strengthen the bond between our countries. We wish the BLP team much success and continue to wish the people of Barbados much prosperity.”