On the eve of a general election, Barbados’s political pundits were fed political fodder by Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s recent interview with Trevor Noah, the world-renowned former host of The Daily Show. The move has piqued the curiosity of many onlookers. Why did Mottley engage in a high-profile, high cost international interview at this time?
The appearance fee for the interview is likely north of $100,000, Given Mottley’s unquestionable popularity on the local scene, the interview fee could have been better directed towards a local charity, QEH fund or Safrey’s Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness? The optics of paying a six figure fee to Noah begs the question – was it an exercise in vanity and self-promotion?
To dismiss the move as simply vanity, however, is to underestimate Mia Mottley’s political acumen. The blogmaster is of the view the interview with Trevor Noah cannot be viewed through a purely domestic lens. From the moment Mottley won the general election in 2018 her focus was on growing her international brand – she is the leading voice on climate finance, small island state advocacy, and global equity in this part of the world. The audience for Noah’s podcast is global and includes the people Mottley needs her message to be heard.
For Mottley, maintaining visibility in a busy global media is brand currency. The interview is therefore less about convincing Bajans – she is already ridiculously popular – and more about growing her standing with international institutions, potential investors, and the global community at large. It signals that her leadership positioning is not paused for an election but is ongoing. Some may suggest she maybe positioning for a transition to a career after PM in the international space.
Mottley has argued that her prominence in the international arena benefits Barbados. By keeping the nation in global conversations through climate advocacy, debt restructuring innovation and other initiatives, she attracts attention, sympathy, and creates opportunity. The six figure fee therefore should be interpreted as a marketing investment for the good of Barbados which has collateral benefit for Mottley.
Mia Mottley has always commanded media attention before she elevated to high office. Although er critics see a blurring of the line between nation and individual. The therefore question becomes: has her growing international brand helped Barbados post the ‘Lost Decade’ period? Most commentators and citizens will say yes and this is where Mottley leaves the opposition in the dust.
Influence is value to small island states in a world where small nations struggle to be heard. Although her interview is about self promotion, it is impossible to separate her personal legacy building project from international objectives. Therefore the question to be answered – is the six figure fee well spent by paying Noah?
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