The government of Barbados has given the singer Rihanna an ambassadorial role which will involve promoting education, tourism and investment on the Caribbean island.
The Barbadian native, whose full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, said she was proud to be awarded the prestigious role of "Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary".
"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."
Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley said that she was honoured to confer title to the international pop icon, who, aside from being one of the bestselling singers of all timecclocking up 250 million record sales over her career—is also a successful businesswoman in the worlds of fashion and cosmetics.
Furthermore, she has also been heavily involved with philanthropic projects, setting up an international charitable foundation.
"Rihanna has a deep love for this country and this is reflected in her philanthropy, especially in the areas of health and education," the prime minister said in a statement. "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."
Rihanna—who is already a cultural ambassador for her home island—has been an outspoken voice on political and social issues. In 2017, for example, she called for an end to gun violence after the killing of her cousin in Barbados. Notably, she also slammed President Trump for his response to the humanitarian crisis that emerged in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria.
Fenty grew up in the island's capital Bridgetown and lived there until her teens. When she was 15 she was discovered by American record producer Evan Rogers who helped to get her signed by Jay-Z's label Def Jam, sparking her pop career.
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