territory's old debts. He also sought to allow the territory to elect its own governor. However, during his term, de Castro was forced to make concessions which were not universally popular. In 1953, he rescinded his previous remarks that the territory should elect its own governor. Instead, he clarified that it should only elect its own governors when they were self-sufficient, and not sooner. De Castro also worked to revamp the territorial's treasury. Under the old system, taxes collected in Saint Thomas could not be used to help those in Saint Croix, and vice versa. He pushed for a single unified treasury that could benefit all of the islands. This position was unpopular due to the locals not wanting the wealth of Saint Thomas being used to shore up the poorer islands. De Castro also worked to boost tourism and industries on the island. During his term, he passed an 8-year property tax exemption for manufacturers and hotel owners, to allow industry to grow. In 1954, de Castro resigned as governor. He was given the Department of the Interior's Distinguished Service Medal in recognition of his efforts. However, instead of retirement, he returned to work in the financial department of the territory for subsequent governors. At his death in 1966, he was the budget director for Governor Ralph M. Paiewonsky. See also List of minority governors and lieutenant governors in the United States References Danish Heir at St. Thomas. New York Times. New York, N.Y.: Mar 24, 1939. pg. 23, 1 pgs V.I. Governor. The Washington Post. Washington, D.C.: Mar 26, 1950. pg. B4, 1 pgs Virgin Islands Head Would Hold Rum Tax. New York Times. New York, N.Y.: Apr 30, 1950. pg. 61, 1 pgs Virgin Islands' Anti-Discrimination Act. By Jean Deveaux. New York Times. New York, N.Y.: Oct 8, 1950. pg. X17, 1 pgs Virgin Islands Governor Balks Over Self-Rule. Jules Dubois. Chicago Daily Tribune. Chicago, Ill.: Mar 3, 1952. pg. A7, 1 pgs Governor Inaugurated. The Washington Post and Times-Herald. Washington, D.C.: Apr 11, 1954. pg. M22, 1 pgs Virgin Islands Gain Over 25% In Revenue. Tri-State Defender. Memphis, Tenn.: Dec 26, 1964. Vol.X, Iss. 7; pg. 13 Morris De Castro is Dead at 64. New York Times. New York, N.Y.: Dec 10, 1966. pg. 38, 1 pgs 1902 births 1966 deaths 20th-century Sephardi Jews Governors of the United States Virgin Islands American Sephardic Jews Spanish and