Our students are at the heart of everything we do at the University of the Virgin Islands. The Bucs student body is our raison d’être. Hailing from all walks of life and every corner of the globe, we want to express our appreciation for each and every one of you who have chosen to make UVI your home. In honor of our dynamic student body, we continue our Stellar Student Spotlight Series, this month, highlighting a dedicated farmer and proud BVI ambassador who is honing her craft and expanding her skillsets at UVI School of Agriculture on the Albert A Sheen Campus, Ms. Basheera Maduro.
“As an active farmer, I made the decision to attend UVI because of the hands-on experience and relevant agricultural information available to prepare me for a future in veterinary medicine.”
– Basheera Maduro
Level of Study & Campus: Undergraduate & Albert A. Sheen Campus
Major: Animal Science
Agro Activities: Crop & Poultry Production
Fun Fact:
Having grown accustomed to early morning farm responsibilities, I enjoy early mornings and structured routines throughout the week. I also like to regularly take time for myself to do outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming or simply enjoying nature.
Who is Basheera Maduro?
Overall, I am a very goal-oriented person who enjoys working outdoors and learning as much as I can. Growing up, I was shaped from a young age and strongly influenced by my mother and grandfather, who first introduced me to agriculture. Ever since, I’ve built a strong foundation rooted in diligence and consistency, qualities I have carried with me throughout my life. While there were things I was not always perfect at, through hard work, it became possible to accomplish things I once thought I never could.
As an active farmer, what made you choose UVI?
As an active farmer, I made the decision to attend UVI because of the hands-on experience and relevant agricultural information available to prepare me for a future in veterinary medicine.
You represented the BVI when participated in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean (OECS) Council of Ministers of Agriculture meeting at the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) in Costa Rica in 2025. What has that experience meant to you, and what is one highlight of that journey?
Representing the BVI at the OECS Council of Ministers of Agriculture meeting at IICA in Costa Rica was an incredibly meaningful experience. The experience reinforced the importance of agriculture beyond the farm level, allowing me to see how policy, regional collaboration, and innovation shape food security systems across the Caribbean. As a student and active farmer, I found it empowering to contribute to conversations that directly impact food security, sustainability, and agricultural development in the Caribbean region.
My favourite highlight of that journey was engaging with regional leaders and agricultural professionals.
In doing so, I realized how interconnected our challenges and solutions really are. I was also able to have the opportunity to work alongside other young farmers and agro processors, collaborating and networking ideas as well as innovative solutions. There were also presentations done on several technological advancements in the sector and how agribusinesses in the Caribbean region can benefit from them. Being there certainly broadened my perspective on regional agriculture and policy while affirming my desire to continue strengthening my commitment to making a lasting contribution to the agricultural region.
“Since becoming a member of the Bucs family, I’ve always felt a sense of community and support.”
– Basheera Maduro
How do you balance maintaining your farm and attending school outside of the Territory (BVI)? Any tips/hacks that you’ve discovered that you can share with your fellow out-of-state student body members?
To balance maintaining my farm while attending school, I did a lot of initial planning, and I always make sure to manage my time wisely. Before leaving to attend school, I first found individuals I could rely on and trust to maintain the farm’s routine and daily operation. Since I am not physically there, I rely on clear schedules, daily record keeping, and regular check-ins to verify smooth operation. Prior to leaving, I also had a security system set up for regular visual check-ins to monitor operations and quickly address any issues, even from a distance. Of course, the move did require much adjustment, especially since I’ve always played an active hands-on role in my operation. Generally, I will say that time management has been a critical aspect, as I’ve always planned peak farm periods in union with my academic calendar whenever possible. I also use my school breaks to handle major tasks, general evaluations, and improvements. By staying organized and prioritizing tasks, it has helped me to remain effective in both roles and avoid burnout. For my fellow out-of-state student body members, I’d say my biggest tip is creating systems that don’t rely on your physical presence. Through proper time management, planning, adaptability, and balance, whatever you set out to do is achievable.
What has been your favourite part of being a member of the Bucs family?
Since becoming a member of the Bucs family, I’ve always felt a sense of community and support. What stands out the most is how supportive and approachable everyone is, whether it’s fellow classmates, staff, or faculty. From the moment I joined, I not only felt encouraged but also welcomed into the community I met here. When I made the decision to leave the home I knew and come into a place that was foreign to me, it made me a bit nervous and uneasy at times. So, I’d say my favourite part is that although I am away from home, the strong sense of support from the community really has made my adjustments here a lot easier.
Define Success
Success is about resilience and the ability to turn a goal or vision into a reality through consistent hard work, discipline, and dedication. Generally, it is the ability to transform hard work and commitment into meaningful progress academically, personally, and professionally.
What is the most notable piece of wisdom that any UVI instructor has imparted to you thus far that you implement in your day-to-day life on your UVI journey?
One of the most notable pieces of wisdom that an instructor has shared with me is that consistency in what you do is more important than perfection. Emphasizing that consistency in what you do and maintaining a level of discipline is what leads to long-term success in the end.
What advice would you give farmers and agro-enthusiasts considering attending UVI?
My advice would be to take full advantage of all the practical learning opportunities, resources, and faculty expertise available. As you go along, apply what you learn through your experiences outside the classroom, and don’t be afraid to bring up your own farming or agribusiness experiences in discussions. By maintaining an open mind and showing your passion for who you are and what you do, it exposes you to environments that will push you closer towards the growth you are looking for. Most importantly, never forget that agriculture is essential for the growth and development of any community.
So, stay focused, committed, patient, and consistent, and those qualities will carry you through your academic journey.
Degree aside, what do you hope to achieve during your time at UVI?
During my time at UVI, I aim to fully submerge myself in as many learning opportunities, research, and community engagement activities that may present themselves. I would also like to continue building strong relationships with my peers and the faculty while developing confidence to step into leadership roles. Most importantly, I want to use my time at UVI to sharpen my purpose and align my education, values, and work ethic so that I not only graduate with a degree but also am well-rounded and able to make significant contributions to society.
Where do you hope to see yourself 5 years from now?
Five years from now, I hope to be well on my way to becoming a veterinarian while continuing to strengthen my foundation in the agricultural sector. Within that time frame, I intend to significantly expand my poultry operation, increasing both production and operation efficiency. I also hope to be actively involved in educational and community outreach activities, using both my academic training and practical experience to support local farmers and contribute to food security in the region. Academically and professionally, I see myself becoming someone who creates a long-term impact in both agriculture and animal health.
“One of the most notable pieces of wisdom that an instructor has shared with me is that consistency in what you do is more important than perfection. Emphasizing that consistency in what you do and maintaining a level of discipline is what leads to long-term success in the end.”
– Basheera Maduro
