Football fraternity mourns passing of FIFA Referee Maurees Skeete

The local football fraternity has been thrown into mourning following the passing of Guyana’s top female FIFA Referee Maurees Skeete, who has passed after a period of illness.

A Warrant Officer Class Two in the Guyana Defence Force, Skeete was a standout referee, who received her FIFA badge in 2014, making her eligible to officiate in international matches.

The Guyana Football Federation posted: “Today, we honour a referee, a soldier, an athlete, and a trailblazer. More importantly, we honour a woman who served her country with integrity and left a legacy that will outlive her time on the pitch.”

See below full statement by the Guyana Football Federation

The Guyana Football Federation joins the local sporting fraternity in mourning the passing of former FIFA Referee and Guyana Defence Force Warrant Officer Class Two, Maurees Skeete, who departed this life after a courageous battle with illness.

Maurees was widely regarded as one of Guyana’s finest female referees. She earned her FIFA badge in 2014, officiated across CFU and CONCACAF competitions, and served with grace and distinction both at home and abroad.

Her excellence was recognised through multiple GFF Referee of the Year awards and, in 2015, she stood out as the only female official from the Caribbean nominated for the CONCACAF Female Referee of the Year award.

Off the field, she proudly served her country in uniform as a member of the Guyana Defence Force. Her discipline, strength and quiet resilience defined her character.

Just last October, the GDF honoured her fight against breast cancer, celebrating her as an example of courage and perseverance.

Maurees was also a gifted athlete long before her refereeing career, representing Guyana in rugby and participating in national basketball.

Whether wearing a whistle or a jersey, or serving in uniform, she carried herself with purpose and dignity, inspiring young women across the country to dream bigger.

Today, we honour a referee, a soldier, an athlete, and a trailblazer. More importantly, we honour a woman who served her country with integrity and left a legacy that will outlive her time on the pitch.

The Guyana Football Federation extends our deepest condolences to her family, friends, GDF colleagues, the referee fraternity, and all who loved her.

Rest in eternal peace, Maurees.

Guyana will remember you.