Rihanna named as ambassador by Barbados

Pop star Rihanna has been announced as an ambassador by the government of her home country Barbados.

In a statement, the Barbados government said the singer, whose full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, has been given the role of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, with specific responsibility for promoting education, tourism and investment for the island.

The 30-year-old singer said she "couldn't be more proud to take on such a prestigious title" in her 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," Rihanna said.

Rihanna is one of the best-selling singers of all time, with 250 million record sales globally. She has also acted in a number films, such as "Battleship" and "Ocean's 8".

The prime minister of the country, Mia Amor Mottley, hailed the singer, saying she was honoured to confer the title to her.

"Robyn 'Rihanna' Fenty 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 said.

"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 Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary," she added.