It is no secret that Rihanna has become a chart-topping and as of late record-breaking artist. With both hit singles and albums, she and a number of acts from the Caribbean have broken into not only the U.S. but a worldwide audience. For that reason, Caribbean officials say policies need to change and artists like her need to give back.
“Put plainly, the government of Barbados earns relatively little in taxes and other revenue from their number one global export [Rihanna],Ã Adrian Augier, co-chair of CARICOM Regional Task Force on Cultural Industries said in a report Thursday.
According to Augier, the “We Found Love” singer is not registered with the Barbados Copyright Society for Composers, Authors and Publishers. Instead, she is registered with US based ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) and BMI.
That, Augier says should change. Instead he says, the Caribbean must develop new legislation to support its artists and thereby share in the wealth they accrue.
