Sports Journalist Rawle Toney Highlights | The Guyana sporting fraternity is in deep mourning following the passing of former FIFA referee Maurees Skeete, who lost her courageous battle with cancer. Skeete’s journey in sports was marked by excellence and discipline, showcasing her commitment both on and off the field.
A proud member of the Guyana Defence Force, where she served as a Warrant Officer Class Two, Skeete embodied the values of service, integrity, and dedication in every arena she entered. Just last October, the GDF celebrated and honored her relentless fight against breast cancer, highlighting her strength and resilience.
Skeete became a FIFA-accredited international referee in 2014 and remained on the FIFA list for several years. Her consistent performance earned her multiple Referee of the Year awards from the Guyana Football Federation. In 2015, she made history as the only female official from the Caribbean nominated for the CONCACAF Female Referee of the Year award.
Throughout her career, Skeete officiated prestigious matches across CFU and CONCACAF women’s tournaments and took charge of significant local men’s games in Guyana, including the renowned Kashif and Shanghai tournament. Her commitment to professional growth was evident as she actively participated in the FIFA Referees Assistance Programme (RAP), always aspiring to elevate the standards of officiating.
Before her notable career in refereeing, Skeete was an accomplished athlete in her own right. She represented Guyana as a national rugby player, selected for the women’s sevens squad in 2010 to defend their RAN Championship title. She also participated in national basketball tryouts, showcasing her versatile sporting talents.
Maurees Skeete broke barriers, inspired countless young women, and served her country with honor, both in sport and in military service. Her legacy will endure through the fields she officiated, the athletes she inspired, and the high standards she established.
“In eternal peace, my friend,” said Rawle Toney in a heartfelt tribute on Facebook. “It was a privilege knowing you personally for years and watching you represent Linden in basketball and football as a player. Guyana thanks you, honors you, and will never forget your contribution.”
