Rihanna named as ambassador of Barbados

Music superstar Rihanna has been named as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary by the government of Barbados.

“Rihanna has a deep love for this country and this is reflected in her philanthropy, especially in the areas of health and education,” Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley said in a statement Thursday announcing the appointment. “She has also demonstrated, beyond her success as a pop icon, significant creative acumen and shrewdness in business. It is therefore fitting that we engage and empower her to play a more definitive role as we work to transform Barbados.”

The famous pop singer and actress, born Robyn Fenty, was appointed to be one of the country’s cultural ambassadors in 2008, but the new title “takes into consideration her multidimensional achievements and global influence across a much broader range of areas,” the prime minister said.

In her new role, she will have the “specific responsibility” of promoting education, tourism and investment in Barbados.

“I couldn’t be more proud to take on such a prestigious title in my home country,” Rihanna said in a statement. “Every Barbadian is going to have to play their role in this current effort, and I’m ready and excited to take on the responsibility. I look forward to working with Prime Minister Mottley and her team to reimagine Barbados.”