Don Jose Maria Chacon's contribution to the development of Trinidad. 

Chacon has contributed tremendously towards the development of Trinidad. New policies and measures were reinforced and implemented upon Chacon's appointment  as governor. Trinidad experienced a shift within its society as it became more developed under Chacon. Chacon was the commissioner of population.  During his tenure there was a significant  increase within the population.  A large influx  of  immigrants came from France into the island of Trinidad ."The population of the island increased five-fold from 3,432 to 17,718, largely as a result of immigration (Newson,184)."  While the increase of people on the island brought significant advantages to the economy. There were also some  unfavourable consequences to the growing population of French migrants which had to be dealt with by Chacon.  " His excellency had to deal with an influx of riotous French republicans and revolutionaries bent on overthrowing his government by force of arms and to murder the islands's royalist inhabitants ( Joseph, 1838)." Chacon's ability to restore order and stability during these times of conflict on the island can be considered one of his many contributions. No other governor sent by Spain had to deal with the issue of a growing French population that at times caused conflicts. When Chacon changed the location of the Cabildo to Port-of -Spain, Port-of-Spain began assuming the administrative functions of St Joseph( former place of the Cabildo).   Port-of -Spain soon developed as " an important commercial centre,since goods could be obtained there more cheaply than in any other colony" (Newson,188).  This action made by Chacon would have contributed greatly to the development of Trinidad as Port-of-Spain emerged as the main area in Trinidad to do business such as trade and commerce. If Chacon had not taken up an interest in Port-of -Spain and the moving of the Cabildo, the development of Port-of-Spain may not have ever occurred. Chacon embarked on a lof of infrastructural development which contributed to the further development of Trinidad. Chacon " undertook large public works, such as diverting the St.Ann's river, whose course took it across Park street...he paid about one third of this project from his own pocket (Joseph, 1883)".  The diverting of St Ann's river was done  to " allow the further expansion of the town west-ward and to make it more healthy (Newson, 189)." Expanding the town by diverting the river allowed for more buildings and other infrastructure to be established which resulted in more business activity.  These bulidings and other infrastructure would have  aided in the general appearance of the area. Chacon established the town of San Fernando and the village of San Juan. If both areas had not been established, these areas would not have been developed any further. Through the establishment of these areas, Chacon was setting the foundation for further development as both areas became quite active. The police service, fire department and Port health authority were all created under Chacon. These services would have brought about more efficiency on the island. In addition to this, such services would have created jobs for the population of Trinidad. Settlers would have enjoye greater protection and health care due to the establishment of such services.  Chacon promoted agricultural production in Trinidad. When Chacon took office as governor " he found that agricultural production was limited to cacao,maize,plantains,manioc and other root crops (Newson,202)." However, cotton and even coffee cultivation soon began to thrive. Chacon's promotion of agriculture would have led to more production and exports of produce which benefitted Trinidad's economy and promoted development.Tax breaks and trade exemptions were made for the benefit of the business population in Trinidad during Chacon's tenure. Initially,  slaves being introduced from Spanish or foreign colonies were to be free of duty for ten years (Newson,212)."  However, in 1784 Chacon felt that"trade would  decline when the ten years had expired (Newson,212). Chacon boldy petitioned for the Spanish Crown to award more concession.Consequently, "in 1786 more concessions were granted (Newson,212)."  Chacon's strong leadership was shown through his action of petitioning for more concessions.Clearly Chacon sought the interest of Trnindad and its population. These tax breaks and concessions would have promoted more business activites and thus would have benefited Trinidad's growing economy. Chacon has indeed made significant contributions to Trinidad's development. In 1788 the Minister of Tobago reported that" in 1783 Trinidad had been a horrible misery but had since become one of the richest open market (Newson,212)." Chacon's appointment to governor led to major developments on the island.  " The colony prospered under his governorship (Peters,2014)."