MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Book on British contribution to Magallanes development

A book on the British migration contribution to the development of Magallanes region in the extreme south of Chile, was formally presented this week in Valaparaíso by the author, barrister and historian Mateo Martinic.

"Los británicos en la region magallánica" (The British in the Magallanes Region) is the title of the book published by the University of Valparaíso and sponsored by the University of Magallanes. Martinic is a renowned Chilean historian and researcher who is 2000 was awarded the country's National History Prize and in 2006 the Bicentenary Prize. (Chile in 2010 celebrates its 200th anniversary). The book has three main chapters about the incidence of the British in discovering, exploring and developing the extreme south of Chile. The first chapter refers to the British and their contribution to geographical discoveries and explorations and to scientific knowledge. The second involves economic activities and investments and finally the British and humanitarian, social, community and cultural activities. The book begins with Francis Drake and his maritime voyages, followed by other expeditions and the colonizing effort involving the development of sheep farming and other industries, and finally British humanitarian and mission activities among the indigenous people of the region. According to La Prensa Austral, Mr. Martinic is an active promoter of Magallanes heritage and has over 400 titles including articles, essays and books on Magallanes history. He is considered a reference of Magallanes cultural activities.