The prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda has appointed actor Robert De Niro as special economic envoy of the twin-island nation in the eastern Caribbean.

The administration of Gaston Browne said that the appointment comes after De Niro signed a memorandum of agreement for a $250 million hotel investment in Barbuda. Officials said De Niro and Australian businessman James Packer will help renovate and expand a former five-star luxury resort that closed several years ago. Browne said he expects the deal to be signed in late December and for construction to begin in the next 12 months.