PEDRO ALONSO NIñO

'Pedro Alonso Nino' (1468 - 1505 was a Spanish explorer, also known as ''The Negro''.
Born in Moguer, Spain, he explored the coasts of Africa, and accompanied Christopher Columbus during his third voyage that saw the discovery of Trinidad and the mouths of the Orinoco River. After returning to Spain, Nino made preparation to explore the Indies independently, looking for gold and pearls. Empowered by The council of Castille to seek out new countries, avoiding those already found by Columbus, he committed to give 20% of his profits for the Spanish Crown. In the company of Louis and Cristopher de la Guerra, respectively a rich merchant and a pilot, he left San Lucas in May, 1499 and, after twenty-three days, they arrived at Maracapana. Visiting the islands of Margarita, Coche, and Cubagua, they exchanged objects of little value for a large quantity of pearls before sailing up the coast to Punta Araya, where they discovered salt-mines. After just two months they were back in Spain, loaded with wealth, but also accused of cheating the King out of his portion of the spoils. Arrested, and with his property confiscated, Nino died before his trial concluded.