Barbados Government Information Office has announced that Barbados native, pop star, actress and entrepreneur, Rihanna, has been named ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Barbados. Robyn “Rihanna” Fenty had been a cultural ambassador of Barbados since 2008, who did promotional work on behalf of the tourism ministry, but recently, her position has been expanded.
Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley expressed in a statement, “Rihanna has a deep love for this country and this is reflected in her philanthropy, especially in the areas of health and education. She also shows her patriotism in the way she gives back to this country and continues to treasure the island as her home.
“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.”
Referred to as Ambassador Fenty by the Barbados government, Rihanna was born in Saint Michael in Barbados and grew up in Bridgetown, the capital of the eastern Caribbean island.
The 30-year-old artist and humanitarian was signed by then president of Def Jam Recordings, JAY-Z in 2003. Since the release of her 2005 debut album, “Music of the Sun,” Rihanna has leveraged her fame to become an effective ambassador and humanitarian and corporate business woman as creative director of Puma, and then creating a multimillion dollar makeup line named Fenty.
Rihanna is multi-faceted, making sure that her fame is used to benefit in others. This action has been rewarded by her native island, entrusting her with further responsibility on behalf of the Barbados government. It’s always inspiring to see young Black philanthropists being recognized and rising to their true potential over time.
Rihanna made a statement on her new appointment. “I couldn’t be more proud to take on such a prestigious title in my home country,” she said. “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.”