Bridgetown.
Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, Stephen Lashley has congratulated Barbadian superstar, Rihanna, on receiving the first-ever Icon Award at the American Music Awards.
“This is a triumph not only for Rihanna and her family but indeed for Barbados.,” said Lashley in a statement.
As a proud Barbadian, I, too, felt as though I had received this award. It was a glorious moment to see this humble, intelligent young woman, who just a few short years ago was still a schoolgirl attending Combermere School and living in Westbury Road, transformed into a fashion and music icon, being acknowledged by one of the greatest countries in the world for her craft,” he added.
According to Lashley, the world has recognized Rihanna’s talent and ability and the award serves as a source of inspiration for young artists in Barbados .
He said her success reinforces the work of his Ministry to develop the cultural industries, recently strengthened by Parliament’s passage of the Cultural Industries Development Act.
Lashley said his Ministry will continue to “work assiduously to set up the appropriate infrastructure to provide training in various disciplines, to ensure that our cultural products and services reach world class standards.”
“Rihanna’s success reinforces what we have been saying all along, that is, the arts can be a viable employment alternative. We know Rihanna is just the beginning, there are many more talented Barbadians waiting for the right moment to emerge,” he said.
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