Her new national role will see her promoting education, tourism and investment of 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 this country and continues to treasure the island as her home,” the prime minister said in a statement .

“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.”

The singer was born in Saint Michael in Barbados, and grew up in the capital, Bridgetown.

Last year a street she used to live on was renamed Rihanna Drive in her honour.

In a statement accepting her new role, Rihanna 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 re-imagine Barbados.”

The singer is now referred to as Ambassador Fenty by the Barbados government.