Bernardo Martins, born in Machico in 1958, recalls the April 25th Revolution of 1974 as a defining moment in his life, even stating he prioritizes that date over his own birthday.
From a humble background with illiterate parents, Martins was encouraged by his mother to pursue education. He eventually studied History and became a professor, being the youngest of eight siblings. His childhood in Machico was marked by poverty, with barefoot children and homes lacking basic infrastructure, realities that spurred his active involvement in the political and social movements following the revolution.
Martins joined the Popular Information Center of Machico (CIPM) at 15, where he assisted the community with bureaucratic issues and basic demands. He describes the post-revolution period not just as a political shift, but as a struggle for concrete improvements like water, electricity, sanitation, and fair wages, particularly for fishermen and workers.
