Canary Islands La Gomera taking 1000 captives to be sold as slaves. Another noteworthy attack occurred in 1797, when Santa Cruz de Tenerife was attacked by a British fleet under Horatio Nelson on 25 July. The British were repulsed, losing almost 400 men. It was during this battle that Nelson lost his right arm. The sugar-based economy of the islands faced stiff competition from Spain's American colonies. Low prices in the sugar market in the 19th century caused severe recessions on the islands. A new cash crop, cochineal ("cochinilla"), came into cultivation during this time, saving the islands' economy. During this time
Pedro García Cabrera of La Laguna and the "cabildo" (island government) of La Gomera, was held in La Gomera to celebrate the centenary of his birth. Pedro García Cabrera Pedro García Cabrera (19 August 1905 – 20 March 1981) was a Spanish writer and poet. A member of the Generation of '27, he is considered one of the greatest poets of the Canary Islands. Born in Vallehermoso, on the island of La Gomera, at the age of seven he moved with his family to Seville, where his father, a teacher, had found work. Three years later, his family moved to the island of