Getty Images. Kevin Mazur
Rihanna has been crowned ‘an ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary’ with specific responsibility for promoting education, tourism and investment for Barbados by the island’s government.
Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley said that the pop star’s “creative acumen and shrewdness in business” make her qualified “to play a more definitive role as we work to transform Barbados”.
“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 Barbados and continues to treasure the island as her home,” Mottley stated, reports Deadline.
“She has 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.”
Rihanna at an HIV awareness event with Prince Harry in Barbados in 2016. Getty Images. Chris Jackson
The singer has shown her commitment and love for the island through numerous philanthropic contributions; she notably established a breast cancer screening and treatment centre, and multiple education programmes through the Clara Lionel Foundation, which she set up in 2012.
“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.”
From: Harper’s BAZAAR UK
