The Barbados government has appointed Rihanna as "Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, with specific responsibility for promoting education, tourism and investment for the island." Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley points to Rih Rih’s allegiance towards her home country, and her philanthropic efforts primarily focused on health and education as being the factors which ultimately led to bestowing her with the title.
"Rihanna has a deep love for this country and this is reflected in her philanthropy, especially in the areas of health and education," Mottley said in a statement. "She also shows her patriotism in the way she gives back to Barbados and continues to treasure the island as her home."
"She has demonstrated, beyond her success as a pop icon, significant creative acumen and shrewdness in business," Mottley adds. "It is therefore fitting that we engage and empower her to play a more definitive role as we work to transform Barbados."
Rihanna founded the Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF) in 2012. The nonprofit organization, which is named after her grandparents Clara and Lionel Braithwaite, works towards improving the lives of young people everywhere by putting the importance of receiving a quality education at the forefront of their efforts. She also holds the annual Diamond Ball, a charity event that brings together all of the biggest entertainers and celebrities in one room to raise money for the CLF.
In a statement of her own, Rihanna expressed her appreciation towards the unique honor and looks forward to using her role to "reimagine" Barbados. "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."
