[1] Martins was said to be the richest man in the country and nicknamed the Napoleon of the Cape Verde Islands.
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.
[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.
[5] In December 1833, Martins was appointed colonial governor of Cape Verde and Guinea,[2] assuming office on 14 February 1834.