We know nothing about Polydore except that he is regularly listed amongst the enslaved Africans owned by the Spring Plantation in Jamaica. His name first appears in about 1739 as one of the recently bought enslaved Africans; he was probably about 13 years old, a 'Man-Boy', and was valued at £25. Polydore spent his life on the plantation, working in the sugar-cane fields. In 1785, when he was nearing 70, he was described as 'old and weak', but still working.

The growth of sugar plantations in the late 18th century increased the demand for enslaved African labour. Sugar was a labour-intensive crop, and Africans were thought suitable for the conditions and the work. Most worked in the fields for 12 hours or more a day, non-stop at harvest time. Some men worked at skilled trades, such as carpenters and sugar boilers. A few men and women worked in the house. Children worked from about the age of 5. The strongest enslaved Africans were in the Great Gang, and cleared the land for planting. The Second Gang manured and weeded the fields. Old enslaved women looked after the young. The owners either looked after the old and sick, or (cheaper) freed them to look after themselves.

For the enslaved Africans, plantation life was generally hard and brutal. The plantation owners ran the local government, and they made the laws designed to punish rebels and discourage others. Flogging was common for any offence, and laws allowed for harsh punishments.