Manuel António Martins

Manuel António Martins (1772 in Braga-1845) was a Portuguese administrator and colonial governor of Cape Verde and Guinea (Portuguese Guinea, now Guinea-Bissau) from 1833 to 1835. After moving to Cape Verde in 1792, Martins was said to be the richest man in the country and nicknamed the Napoleon of the Islands.

After he moved, he brought slaves in 1799 to explore the saltpans of Pedra de Lume, late he had slaved to construct a tunnel which was completed in 1804, the first in Cape Verde to trasnfer its salt to its port, Turinvest named it the "P14".

Partnership

In May 1819, Martins co-established a fishing company alongside the Governor of Cape Verde, António Pusich. Martins's partnership with Pusich weakened after Pusich accused Martin of allegedly trying to sell São Vicente and Sal to the British. After the accusation, Martins instigated a Praia riot in May 1821 that led to the overthrow of Pusich.

Diplomacy

In 1819, Martins was nominated by Samuel Hodges, Jr. as a honorary vice-consul to the United States. and the main responsible of a settlement on Sal Island. In December 1833, Martins was appointed by Francisco Simões Margiochi to become the 71st colonial governor of Cape Verde and Guinea. His tenure lasted until between 1835.

Governorship

When he was governor in 1833, he moved the seat of the municipality of Santa Catarina from Cidade Velha to Picos, later he tried to move the colonial capital to Picos on February 14, 1834, the capital remained in Praia and this was the first attempt,He was no longer governor in 1835 after the Fontean Rebellion

Prefect

During his governance, Martins discontinued the usage of Cape Verde's military forces. On the other hand, Martins also stopped the usage of Guinea's military and merged the commanding forces of Bissau and Cacheu.

Colonel

In a message to Philadelphia on December 26, 1832, Martins was identified as the colonel of Cape Verde's military. In the message, Martins praised the United States for providing aid to the citizens of Cape Verde.

Later life

After being governor, he continued to live in Santa Maria until his death, a settlement that he founded and is buried in Santa Maria's cemetery.

Personal life

In 1793, Martins married Maria Josefa Ferreira, daughter of Aniceto António Ferreira Álvares Mendes.