Street Rihanna grew up on in Barbados gets renamed after her

Nov. 29 (UPI) -- The street Rihanna grew up on in Barbados has officially been renamed after her, the government of Barbados announced this week.

The street formerly known as Westbury New Road in Barbados' St. Michael parish will now be called "Rihanna Drive."

Barbado's Ministry of Tourism said the decision was made after Westbury New Road had become a growing tourist attraction for fans of the singer seeking a glimpse of her Barbadian roots.

"Additionally, it was thought necessary to highlight the many achievements of the Grammy Award-winning singer, entrepreneur and philanthropist," the government said in a statement.

Rihanna, born Robyn Rihanna Fenty, grew up in St. Michael Parish until the age of 16, when she was discovered by a record producer and flown out to New York City, where she eventually signed with Jay-Z's Def Jam records.