Proud COMBERMERE principal Vere Parris showing one of the many pictures of Rihanna which adorn his office.

by Carol-Ann Tudor

SHE did it!

Barbados' teenage sensation Rihanna did herself and the country proud when she copped a prestigious Grammy award Sunday night at the Staples Centre, Los Angeles.

Robyn Rihanna Fenty, the pop queen who took the world by storm two years ago and has continued her rise to fame since then, won Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for her hit Umbrella featuring Jay-Z.

Among those screaming her praises here in Barbados were those in the entertainment industry.

Happy

Eight-time calypso monarch Stedson Wiltshire, better known as Red Plastic Bag, was beaming as he congratulated the star.

"I was really hoping that she would win in all six categories. I am quite happy for her. It is a very special thing to win a Grammy, especially in such a short space of time," he said.

Bag commended the superstar for mentioning Barbados in her acceptance speech.

"There are so many people that you can forget to mention when you are standing in front of the world, but she didn't forget us and I am very proud of her.

"It was good to hear her hail up Barbados in front of the world.

"I hope that she continues to grow from strength to strength and continues to make Barbados extremely proud," he said.

Humble

Edwin Yearwood of the band krosfyah was also elated.

"I was jumping up and down like an idiot. I am so happy for her," he told the DAILY NATION.

Yearwood said it was one thing to get a contract but in order to keep it, you needed to put in some serious work.

"I think that she is one of the hardest-working women in the industry," he stated.

Yearwood added that, moreso than anything, Rihanna had remained very humble.

"I was coming out of New York recently and she was coming from a performance in Europe. This person came over and gave me a hug and started talking.

"At first I didn't really know who it was, but when I realised it was her, I found it a beautiful thing that she is able to balance everything and remain so humble," he stated.

"I hope she continues to go from strength to strength and, yes, I am really happy for her and Barbados."

Founder and director of the Barbados Music Awards Ronnie Morris said Rihanna's win was an historic moment for Barbados and the Caribbean.

Exposure

"I think that her presence on the show, both on the red carpet and live on stage, gave Barbados millions of dollars in exposure for tourism.

"Timeless Entertainment wishes her all the best and we are proud to have been the first award event ever to honour Rihanna in the world, for her win at the 2006 Barbados Music Awards," Morris said.