Barbados PM Mia Mottley issues statement on passing of Ronald Fenty

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has extended condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Barbados following the death of Ronald Fenty, father of National Hero The Right Excellent Robyn “Rihanna” Fenty.

Ronald Fenty died early Saturday morning in Los Angeles following a brief illness. He was 70 years old.

In a statement released Saturday, Mottley described Mr. Fenty as “a son of Barbadian soil” whose life reflected the resilience and spirit of the nation.

“It is with deep sorrow, that on behalf of the Government and people of Barbados, I extend my sincere condolences to our beloved National Hero, The Right Excellent Robyn Rihanna Fenty, on the passing of her father, Ronald Fenty. … While he may be known for playing a significant role in shaping the woman our National Hero Rihanna has become, the truth is that his journey here on earth has touched many more lives.

“Ronald Fenty was a father, a friend, a neighbour, and a proud Barbadian,” the Prime Minister said. “Indeed, his path, like so many in our community, was not without struggle, but it was also one marked by love, growth, and a deep connection to the people and place that shaped him.”

While acknowledging his role in shaping the life of Rihanna—Barbados’ National Hero—Mottley emphasized that Ronald Fenty’s impact extended beyond his famous daughter.

“The truth is that his journey here on earth has touched many more lives,” she noted.

The Prime Minister also extended her sympathies to Rihanna, her mother Monica, her brothers Rorrey, Rajad, and Jamie, her sisters Kandy and Samantha, and the wider Fenty family. She further expressed condolences to Ronald Fenty’s friends and loved ones in Barbados and abroad.

“In this time of mourning, we stand united with the Fenty family, offering our prayers and support,” Mottley said. “May his spirit rest in eternal peace, and may all who loved him find comfort in that love and the memories they were blessed to have shared.”