Anti-colonial Voices Barbados,

PREFACE - Rogues in Paradise Dissenting Voice

Yardfowl is a symbolic character in Rogues in Paradise, representing the strength and spirit of Bajans who survived the tragedy of slavery. He is a fictional creation motivated by real voices that refuse to be silenced by the sterilized versions of history. Yardfowl's option to speak in Bajan slang highlights his rejection of colonial norms and his desire to assert his cultural identity. Named after the common free-roaming chickens in Barbados, Yardfowl's character embodies an intense independence and defiance of the status quo.


Insights:

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

"Dat Law-rinse story appearing like dis Lawrence is some kina goodfella, however even de typical Yardfowl know much better ... Law-rinse have 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 shackle he own chile?"

Yardfowl's fury cuts through any romanticization of the past. For him, there is no separating minutes of compassion from the brutality of the system. Lawrence's choice to free his kids only after his death is absolutely nothing short of ethical cowardice to Yardfowl-- a failure to face his misbehaviors while alive.


Get the Full Story:



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.

Challenging Colonial Narratives