I’m glad that some decency and sanity has finally been brought to this discussion.

Irene Sandiford-Garner [tell the truth] about your trip to Barcelona,Spain. You did not get back your passport in a haste because you mentioned Rihanna’s name. You was travelling on a diplomatic passport which entitles you to special treatment. Do you think all Barbadians are stupid?

Yes, Rihanna is on the cover of a few magazine covers.  I am yet to see a magazine cover with the quote - Rihanna is from Barbados, please holiday and invest in that lovely island. IT IS A VERY SAD DAY, WHEN A RULING PARTY TELLS YOU THAT THE ISLAND MOST VALUABLE FOREIGN EXPORT IS SOMEONE WHO SINGS SMUT. This money should be spent on the ecomony and the elderly, whose hard work built Barbados.
MS. SANDIFORD-GARNER, MS. MCCLEAN AND MR. MARVILLE A SENATE SEAT IS NOT FOR LIFE - TIME TO START JOB HUNTING.
I AM COUNTING DOWN THE DAYS TO THE NEXT ELECTION.

Barbados does not owe Rihanna anything.

I can not believe these three Senators.

Who appoints people to the Barbados Senate Chamber?

I quote directly from John Kennedy, late President from the USA “ASK NOT WHAT YOUR COUNTRY CAN DO FOR YOU BUT WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOU COUNTRY.”

People do not come to Barbados because of Rihanna.  It is because Barbadians all over the world, including myself tell everyone we meet about our beautiful island.

I was in Barbados from January to March of this year - what a mess, the roads are falling apart, the unemployment is very high, people are going hungry, some elderly citizens are living in the most horrible conditions and the DLP is taking from the havenots (poor) and giving to the haves (rich). God help us all.

FROM NOW UNTIL ELECTION DAY, I WILL BE CALLING FOR CHANGE, CHANGE, CHANGE.

Interesting to note that these three spokespersons have not been voted in by the people.

I have read here, the only valid reason the Government can tell Barbadians, is that Rihanna is an amazing advertising campaign. Is that all? what good example is Rihanna setting for young aspiring artists in this country. What i don’t get is that Mr. Lashley has been focusing on keeping airwaves clean; but, contrary to what he believes in Rihanna’s music is AOK for radio play. Is her profane behaviour acceptable? Oh my Lord come fuh de country. what about the many charities in the almighty US, i must be missing something or living under a rock, cause where would i find a charity here in Barbados being supported by Rihanna. i must be truly mistaken cause the OEH is borrowing US$65 million, all this borrowing must be good for the country. Government of Barbados pray and hope Rihanna help you win next election.

I agree with the senators. No other Bajan has exposed Barbados to the world like Rihanna.  Rihanna has done for Barbados what Bob Marley did for Jamaica. @ N.Jordan, I hope you’re not living in NY and complaining about the road conditions in Barbados. Give the girl the land in appreciation for the global publicity she has given us.

N.Jordan are u really Barbadian? Congrats to Senators Irene and Maxine for articulating the thoughts of the silent majority on Rihanna. I am puzzled like Marville that our own people decry this beautiful phenom who has made Barbados a shining star across the globe. They cant stop you Rihanna. Barbados loves you.

Barbados’ Government alone shows that the country is out of control. From what I have read here, the only valid reason the Government can tell Barbadians, is that Rihanna is an amazing advertising campaign. Is that all? What good example is Rihanna setting for young aspiring artists in this country? What I don’t understand is that Mr. Lashley has been focusing on keeping airwaves clean; but, contrary to what he believes in Rihanna’s music is AOK for radio play. Is her behaviour acceptable? What about the many charities in the almighty US, I must be missing something or living under a rock, cause nun a dem I wud find bout hey under rihanna name. I must be mistaken because the OEH is borrowing US$65 million, all this borrowing must be good for the country. The Barbados economy is in a tight situation right now and poor people are crying out. To the Government: Rihanna a great advertising campaign?

M Jordan & N Jordan, you are so right. I first came to barbados in feb 82 and have returned every year since. I came because a friend told me how beautiful it was, the lovely beaches, blue skies and aquamarine ocean. Friendly people and the lovely food. It wasn’t because The great Eddie Grant lives there or the fact that some of the most famous cricketers come from Barbados.
I think she lives in America most of the time anyway and there are many who actually think that she is American. She comes back to see family and then swims at the Hilton. She has the beautiful Carribean sea on her doorstep and she goes swimming at the Hilton. I bet she rang the Nation to let them know where she was going. Barbados doesnt need Rihanna. Government should be ashamed .Give it to the really needy.

Barbados owes Rihanna nothing, what Barbados owes is to the people of that island to start cleaning up the mess it has, the hospital, the high volume of crimes, the rising cost of living, and the help that is so badly needed for our old folks who toiled day in to build our lovely paradise, please senators, think before u speak, God is not please, vanity is what u r choosing, did u check out the latest video te am mo, i think not.

I would never have ever thought that i would hear suggest poppy cock out of the mouths of these senators, trying to justify giving government welfare to Rhianna. First, Barbados paid her when ever it used her in its tourism promotions, and at a good penny to boot. How does Irene get to be justifying this government welfare, when schools in her district need equipment? Have Rhianna ever given anything from her foundation to any organization in Barbados?

You Irene, should know a whole lot better, than to try and justify this crap. How about using that money to fix the intersection in St.Thomas, that is killing its residents?
Give me a break about Barbados owing Rhianna anything.

Oh, by the way Irene, the immigration officer in Barcelona, spoke espanol right? Then he understand what Los Barbados, is. Now stop trying to pull los Barbados (the beard), over our eyes.

She said that in terms of public relations alone, Rihanna had provided more advertisements and positive public representation than Barbados could possibly imagine.

“We are unable to quantify the contribution Rihanna has made to the country,” she stated.

I love English as much as a good chuckle.  Thank you.

Well I never read so much ingrance in my life!  I am sickened to the stomach every time I hear about this land issue and reading this article just now only made it worst.  Are these really the people who have leadership and power in my land?

Granted, we have given more than $100,000 to people without Barbadian roots; so what is wrong with doing the same for Rihanna? the answer is that “she does not need it”. There are more deserving and helpless people in Barbados that could really benefit from such a give-away. Examples: the doctors and nurses at the QEH, and the Geriatric Hospitals…and how about using this funny money for patching some pot holes in the roads? Also, how about recognizing some of the leading Bajan Researchers and Scientists that do as much in putting Barbados on the world map?
Bajan, A poor example

I guess everyone has an opinion but I agree with the Senators. We cannot quantify the PR and positive connections that Barbados is gaining daily from the mention of Rihanna’s name in the international media. She does not have to say one word. Anytime you see the name Rihanna in a magazine, newspaper, internet mention, etc., it usually prefaced by descriptions like “Bajan beauty” “native of Caribbean island of Barbados”, etc. Let’s face it Rihanna is now a global star in the entertainment world. Just listening to her in an interview recently on CNN, her wonderful Bajan accent resonating, made me proud. She has broken through where others may now follow. Give the young lady her due!

Barbados owes Rihanna nothing!!

I am tired of all the people claiming ad nauseum that Rihanna has done so much for the country.

She does not automatically promote the country by virtue of being Bajan. People ask about my country not because of Rihanna but because I sing its praises. Barbadians living overseas are the ones advertising Barbados (and for the record word of mouth is one of the most effective advertising mediums)

Rihanna parades around naked singing smut masquerading as music! Apparently this qualifies her as a good representation of the country and a role model in the eyes of the DLP.

Rihanna represents neither me, my country nor my culture. That has nothing to do self esteem issues Ms. McClean, that’s because there are better figures with whom I would seek to align myself.

I wasn’t home for the last election but be sure I’ll home to place my X on a ballot paper next time.

Senators, I applaud you, and do concur! Go Ri Ri!!

I truly think honestly Riri deserved some token. She done real well had the ups and downs but she aint kill or sell no one drugs. Yes she makes lots money but her birth string buried or cut in the same land as all of we. Stop the hating and be happy to have her at home. People in other countries would pay a price to get a glimpse or look at her you can meet and greet for free cause she knows her people give her the cold shoulder going only make she do more crazy stuff.

I don’t believe anybody challenges the level of accomplishments of Rihanna. There’s not really any question about that.  What I think is more important to look at is whether each time a Barbadian goes far they should be given land in such an expensive area on the government’s dime.  Rupee also produced several hits which hit international fame does this mean he too should be accorded land?  I believe Ryan Braithwaite might possibly get some land too? If Barbados produces a couple “stars” per year or even every two years, then this is going to get expensive.