First Cabildo President Eduardo Domínguez Alfonso: Doctor, Philanthropist, and Island Unifier

Eduardo Domínguez Alfonso (1840-1923) was the first president of the Cabildo of Tenerife when it was established in March 1913. He was a doctor, professor, founder of schools, and a philanthropist, often overshadowed by his more famous brother, Antonio, who served as a national deputy and senator. Despite this, Eduardo played a crucial role in the island's political and social life, particularly in the south.

Born in Arona, his name is now listed among those who have served this century-old institution. Historian Carmen Rosa Pérez Barrios, one of the few who has studied his life, notes that his political influence was significant at a regional level. However, she emphasizes that his reputation stemmed from his scientific achievements, which were always his main focus.

Domínguez was involved in liberal movements early on but preferred to stay out of political disputes. This cautious approach proved beneficial when he was elected as the first president of the Cabildo.

His medical career began in the Canary Islands before he moved to Barcelona and Madrid. He excelled at university and later settled in Santa Cruz, opening a medical practice. His curiosity led him to travel across Europe and then to Brazil with Dr. Aniceto Mascaró. In Pernambuco, he gained renown for his pioneering surgeries and for treating both wealthy and poor patients equally. His philanthropic efforts, praised by the press, quickly made them well-known.

Their success, however, attracted suspicion. Some Brazilian doctors filed a lawsuit, questioning the validity of their medical degrees. The situation became so tense that over 160 residents signed a petition asking the provincial president for protection for the Spanish doctors.

The controversy even reached New York, where the satirical magazine La América Ilustrada published cartoons mocking the persecution of the doctors. One cartoon depicted a nurse trying to topple a pedestal honoring Mascaró and Domínguez, with the inscription "To Medicine. Public Recognition," while the word "envy" was on the nurse's chest. Another cartoon showed the seven deadly sins judging the doctors in a mock trial.

Despite the legal and media pressure, Domínguez's reputation only grew.

Upon returning to Tenerife, he performed significant surgeries, including the first successful ovariotomy in the Canary Islands. During the 1893 cholera epidemic, he became a leading authority. He headed the Commission of Hygiene and Public Health, organized disinfection teams, and wrote a helpful booklet that helped control the spread of the disease. His contributions earned him the Order of Isabella the Catholic.

The historian explains that Domínguez believed doctors should specialize while also maintaining a broad understanding of science. He actively participated in academic discussions, supported new institutions, and published important research on tropical diseases, tuberculosis, and surgery.

His dedication extended beyond healthcare. In 1876, along with his brother Antonio and others, he helped establish a secondary school in Santa Cruz, which he managed for many years. He equipped it with laboratories, a library, scientific equipment, and an anthropology museum, often funding it himself.

While he remained involved in local affairs, he avoided partisan politics. Pérez Barrios notes that by the time the Cabildo Law was being discussed, Domínguez was older and had retired from active politics. He was highly respected as a surgeon, and his reputation earned him the respect of journalists and politicians from all sides.

The creation of the Cabildo was delayed by administrative and political challenges, creating a need for someone who could unite differing opinions. The press at the time even used a local culinary metaphor to describe his ability to bring people together, highlighting his role in bridging the island's polarized society.

The Cabildo of Tenerife was finally established on March 16, 1913, inspired by old colonial councils and tasked with decentralizing the administration of the archipelago. The 1912 Cabildo Law had created an island-specific body to maintain regional unity.

Pérez Barrios states that his most significant political achievement was establishing and strengthening the Cabildo, laying the foundation for its future operations. She believes that the modern Canary Islands cannot be understood without this initial structure.

His term as president lasted less than three years, but the author of the study points out that it was a great benefit for the institution to have someone of his stature and influence.

He donated his medical library to the Children's Hospital and 344 books to the Municipal Library of Santa Cruz. He passed away in 1923 at the age of 83 from bronchopneumonia. His funeral was a large event attended by government officials, professional organizations, and people from all walks of life.

Pérez Barrios summarizes his legacy by stating that his true prestige came from his scientific work and his involvement in cultural, scientific, and social projects that benefited the capital and, by extension, the islands.

Historian Carmen Rosa Pérez Barrios also acknowledges the significant role of his brother, Antonio, in the development of the southern region, noting that both brothers contributed to important advancements in the area.

Eduardo Domínguez advocated for better land transportation and supported the Arona–Los Cristianos road project, which later proved vital for the region's growth. The author mentions that the route of this road was debated in Arona, as some believed it might benefit lands owned by the Domínguez family.

Furthermore, Domínguez made local contributions in Arona. Research indicates that in the mid-19th century, he prepared a report detailing the shortcomings of the old cemetery and the urgent need for a new one in a more suitable location, demonstrating his commitment to improving his hometown.