The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Warrant Officer Class II Maurees Skeete, a dedicated leader whose remarkable service to the Force spanned over two decades.
Warrant Officer Skeete enlisted in the GDF on March 12, 2004, and rose through the ranks due to her merit, professionalism, and consistent performance. Her career was marked by perseverance, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to duty, culminating in her promotion to Warrant Officer Class II on January 1, 2024.
Throughout her tenure, she held several key positions, particularly within the Band Corps and the General Five Branch, fulfilling roles such as Department Sergeant Major, Drum Major, School Sergeant Major, and Senior Instructor/Squadron Sergeant Major. In these capacities, she played a vital role in maintaining discipline, mentoring junior ranks, and upholding the ceremonial and professional standards of the Force.
Warrant Officer Skeete’s professional development included the successful completion of numerous military and instructional courses, such as the Drill Course, Skill-at-Arms Instructor Course, and the Grade Three Music Course. Her commitment to self-improvement extended beyond the military, as she earned qualifications in Computer Science and Music Theory.
In addition to her military accolades, Skeete excelled in national and international sports, contributing further to the prestige of the GDF and Guyana. In 2014, she achieved FIFA International Referee status in football officiating, making history by distinguishing herself in a highly competitive field with limited regional representation. Her professionalism on the field earned her multiple Referee of the Year awards from the Guyana Football Federation, alongside a notable nomination for CONCACAF Female Referee of the Year in 2015, a rare honor granted to only one female official from the Caribbean that year.
In recognition of her disciplined service, she received numerous awards, including the 40th Anniversary Medal, 50th Anniversary Medal, and the Military Efficiency Medal, symbolizing her long-standing dedication to the GDF and her national service.
Warrant Officer Class II Maurees Skeete will be remembered as a firm yet fair leader, a committed instructor, and a dependable officer who took immense pride in her duties and responsibilities. Her contributions to the development of soldiers and the preservation of military standards have left a lasting and respected imprint on the Force.
The Chief of Defence Staff, along with the officers and ranks of the GDF, extend heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and the wider military community.
Her service is honored, her sacrifices acknowledged, and her memory will be respected within the institution she served with such distinction.
