Manuel António Martins

Manuel António Martins (1772 in Braga-1845) was a Portuguese businessman and colonial governor of Cape Verde and Portuguese Guinea from 1834 to 1835.[1] Martins was said to be the richest man in the country and nicknamed the Napoleon of the Cape Verde Islands.[2] He arrived in Cape Verde in 1792. He started the exploitation of the salt ponds of Pedra de Lume on the island of Sal in 1796.[3]

In May 1819, Martins co-established a fishing company with the Governor of Cape Verde, António Pusich. Martins's partnership with Pusich soured after Pusich accused Martin of trying to sell São Vicente and Sal to the British.[2] After the accusation, Martins instigated a riot in Praia in May 1821 that led to the overthrow of Pusich.[2] In 1819, Martins was appointed by Samuel Hodges, Jr. as an honorary vice-consul for the United States on the island of Boa Vista.[4] He founded the town of Santa Maria on Sal in 1830.[5]

In December 1833, Martins was appointed colonial governor of Cape Verde and Guinea,[2] assuming office on 14 February 1834.[6] His tenure lasted until March 1835.[1] In 1834 he established the municipality of Santa Catarina with its seat in Picos, replacing the old municipality of Ribeira Grande.[6]