In December 1833, Martins was appointed colonial governor of Cape Verde and Guinea, assuming office on 14 February 1834. His tenure lasted until March 1835. In 1834 he established the municipality of Santa Catarina with its seat in Picos, replacing the old municipality of Ribeira Grande.Evolução histórica do Concelho de Santa Catarina (1834 – 1912), Ana Zenaida Gomes, 2005, p. 16
