Global superstar Rihanna (full name Robyn Rihanna Fenty) has been named as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary for her home nation of Barbados by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, with specific responsibility for education, tourism and investment for the island. This role invests the holder with full power to transact business internationally on behalf of the government. With a brief look at her track record, it’s easy to see why Fenty is the perfect candidate.
In music alone, Rihanna has achieved 250 million in record sales, with 14 number one hits in the US and 9 in the UK. The 30 year old is the winner of a staggering 173 awards, including 9 Grammys. Alongside her music career, she has had hugely successful business ventures in fashion and cosmetics, amassing an estimated net worth of £160 million.
She has already established herself as a philanthropist, not only for her support for various pre-existing organisations, including UNICEF, but with the creation of the Clara Lionel Foundation in 2012 to improve standards of health and education in less developed countries. In 2017, she was honoured by Harvard University with an award for Humanitarian of the Year.
Having already been appointed as a cultural ambassador in 2008, Ambassador Fenty looks set to make the most of her expanded role. She said, “I couldn’t be more proud to take on such a prestigious title in my home country. 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.”
