Legacy of Barbados Colonial Rule

THE ROLE OF YARFOWL - Rogues in Paradise Dissenting Voice

Yardfowl is a compelling imaginary person in Rogues in Paradise, influenced by the durable voices of lots of Bajans I've met. He stands in sharp contrast to colonial viewpoints that frequently minimize or sterilize the scars of slavery.

With his sharp commentary and use of Bajan slang, Yardfowl straight challenges historical narratives, highlighting the physical and emotional scars of slavery and the acquired injury still present today. His name evokes the free-roaming chickens that wander Barbados, a sign of self-reliance and defiance that mirrors Yardfowl's unrestrained and unapologetic voice.


The Yardfowl Character:


Yardfowl's Humanity: While Yardfowl is angry, he is not depicted as a caricature of bitterness. His anger is born from a deep compassion for his ancestors and a desire for justice. His voice, while confrontational, is required to stabilize the more colonial perspectives in the book. Yardfowl's undeviating stance ensures that the story does not forget the injustice at the heart of Barbados' colonial history. His kindness shines through his anger, advising readers that the discomfort of the past still demands recognition and regard.

The Implications of Yardfowl's Voice: Yardfowl's perspective does not simply reflect his views; it speaks with a larger belief felt by numerous descendants of servants in the Caribbean and beyond. His anger resonates with those who feel that colonial reparations and apologies are insufficient without genuine justice. His disdain for the moral cowardice of figures like Lawrence represents a wider critique of how modern discourse typically sterilizes or softens history.

With Yardfowl, the book raises important questions about how societies  consider their pasts. Can recovery take place without full acknowledgment of the crimes? Can advance be made if we decline to engage with the anger of those who were wronged? Yardfowl forces these questions into the open, guaranteeing they can not be disregarded.

More >>>

Facing Colonialism in Barbados: Explore Yardfowl's defiant voice in Rogues in Paradise, as he challenges the ruthless history of slavery and colonialism.

Challenging Colonial Narratives