Vol. 36. No. 1 A Publication of UMA, Inc April – June 2013 Editor: Daniel Gomes, 2021 Ptarmigan Drive #1,Walnut Creek, Ca 94595 E-Mail:
[email protected] J.P. Braga and the Portuguese in Hong Kong Roy Eric Xavier Far East Currents.com Author’s Note: This article re-introduces one of the earliest advocates of Portuguese rights in 19th century Hong Kong, Joao Pedro Braga, who lived from 1871 to 1944. It also includes short sketches of other Macanese settlers who Braga met as a young child. Each made significant contributions to the colony’s success as a trading port. Their combined experiences represent the beginnings of the Macanese community in Hong Kong. Joao Pedro Braga was a prominent businessman, journalist, and community advocate in Hong Kong from 1889 to 1941. Born in 1871 into a family who were among the first Macanese settlers, Braga spent his working career in the colony and died in Macau as a refugee in 1944. Among his many accomplishments was the publication of two important works. The first in 1895 at the age of 24 was a small book entitled: “The Rights of Aliens in Hongkong”, which addressed criticism against Portuguese workers in the English press, and highlighted the contributions of non-British workers in the economic and political life of the colony. The second book, written while Braga was in Macau during World War II, was “The Portuguese in Hong Kong and China”, providing an account of the community’s first one hundred years under British rule. Braga’s visibility as a leader of the Portuguese community no doubt contributed to his work on behalf of those who had no voice in Hong Kong’s affairs.