Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has thanked international singer and businesswoman, Ambassador Robyn “Rihanna” Fenty, for her role in providing 4,000 tablets for Barbadian school children.
Ambassador Fenty’s Clara Lionel Foundation and Jack Dorsey’s Start Small Foundation have donated the 4,000 tablets for Barbadian school children, who are now being taught online because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ms. Mottley stated: “We all know that education is the most important gift that we can give any child, and to the extent that we can ensure that there is no digital divide among all of our students, that is our duty. Of course, our Government will continue to make sure that we get there….
“Your Bajanness, your commitment to this country, your commitment to this region, in the context of building climate resilience, has not gone unnoticed. The world has watched you be that extraordinary Bajan, that extraordinary global citizen that has not forgotten that their roots are right here in Barbados.”
The Prime Minister said it was heartening to receive assistance from those who loved and cared enough to help lift the burden of on this long journey.
She stressed that people are always stronger when they work together, and noted that the children were keen to express their appreciation to her for the tablets.
She told Ambassador Fenty to keep safe as she travelled the world, which is affected by the virus. She reminded her that she was loved by Barbadians and “there is a place waiting for you”.
Ms. Mottley also expressed hope that those who worked with the Clara Lionel Foundation would be blessed for continuing to make that difference to people whose voice might not always be heard.
“We know that you care enough and to bring on other partners like Jack Dorsey with the Start Small Foundation is truly a blessing to us all,” she stressed.
The Clara Lionel Foundation supports and funds ground-breaking education and emergency response programmes around the world.