Alejandro Ramírez

Who was Alejandro Ramírez?

Alejandro Ramírez was a Spanish economist.

Ramírez was born in Spain in 1777 and studied Economy in Guatemala. In 1813, he was named Intendant and Chief of Economical Services in Puerto Rico. He established a series of economical reforms that helped reduce the government expenses and established a fairer income tax, allowing the islands municipalities major control of their finances.

Ramírez also established the Diario Económico de Puerto Rico, becoming the second printed newspaper in the island. In 1814, he also founded the Real Lotería de Puerto Rico, which still is the oldest lottery in America. Ramírez also created an economical system to promote agricultural development.

In 1815, he was named as Supervisor of the Finances of the Crown in Cuba. During his tenure, he vouched for the abolition of the monopoly on tobacco. He also promoted a Royal Decree in 1818 establishing Cuba's right to commerce freely with other countries.

In 1818, Ramírez supported the foundation of the Escuela Gratuita de Dibujo y Pintura in Havana, which was then given the name of San Alejandro on behalf of him.

Ramírez died on 1821.