Barbados Colonial Leggacy

PREFACE - Rogues in Paradise Dissenting Voice

 Meet Yardfowl, the outspoken character in Rogues in Paradise who boldly challenges the colonial story. Inspired by the Bajans I've fulfilled, he talks to the weight of history behind him, using Bajan slang to reject any notion of colonial superiority.

Yardfowl's character is a voice for those who sustained inconceivable hardships during slavery and who continue to grapple with inherited trauma today. His name refers to the free-roaming chickens of Barbados, signifying a spirit of resilience and defiance that knows no bounds.


Character:

Challenging History's Glorification. Throughout the book, Yardfowl takes offense at any attempt to soften or romanticize the colonial past. His sharp, unyielding voice contrasts sharply with those who might try to balance the scars of history with little gestures of kindness from the colonizers. For Yardfowl, even these minutes are steeped in hypocrisy. An example is the story of Lawrence, a planter who released his African fan, Elizabeth Cumberbatch, and bestowed their children a home and money. On the surface, it might look like an act of empathy. Yet, for Yardfowl, this gesture rings hollow:

"Dat Law-rinse story appearing like dis Lawrence is some kina goodfella, but even de common Yardfowl understand better ... Law-rinse got chile with freed-slave spouse and plenty more outside-chile. He done keep dem as slave till he dead and gone ... What kinda daddy is dat who enslave he own chile?"

Yardfowl's fury cuts through any romanticization of the past. For him, there is no separating minutes of kindness from the cruelty of the system. Lawrence's option to release his children just after his death is nothing except ethical cowardice to Yardfowl-- a failure to face his misbehaviors while alive.


Discover More about this outstanding character.



Reckoning with Barbados' Colonial Past
Rogues in Paradise brings Yardfowl's fierce voice to the forefront. See how he confronts the lasting effects of slavery and colonial abuse.
Discover Yardfowl's story and Barbados' history.

Barbados Colonial past