GOVERNMENT is in discussion with the handlers of pop star Rihanna for further use of her talents to promote and advertise Barbados.This was disclosed yesterday by Minister of Tourism Richard Sealy who said promotional efforts would not be limited to Rihanna, but would include other artistes and sports stars such as world champion hurdler Ryan Brathwaite.Speaking in the House of Assembly during debate on a resolution to vest 2 635 square metres of land at Apes Hill, St James in the name of Robyn Rihanna Fenty, Sealy recalled that Rihanna had done some work for the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) and “is very keen to do further work, so we are quite happy that we can make that happen”.“We will, and we are prepared to, use not only Rihanna, but yes, Ryan Brathwaite and all of these success stories – time and so on allowing.“You would appreciate that the schedule that many of these world-class entertainers and sportsmen can be quite demanding, but the fact is that we are keen to work with them.”Sealy said the idea of leveraging celebrity status in the context of destination promotion was something done often at the World Travel Market, where the Barbadian cricket legends will appear in November. The minister noted that other homegrown entertainers were not being left out, pointing out that some had travelled to Canada recently to promote the island and encourage diaspora tourism. (AB)
