Guyana’s FIFA referee officials Sherwin Johnson, Maurees Skeete and Kleon Lindey were officially presented with their instruments Friday, paving the way for their participation in international matches.
This is according to a release from the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) which stated that the three were presented with their 2021 FIFA referee badges during a simple ceremony staged at the federation’s headquarters in Campbellville, after making the selection in December 2020.
Presenting the badges were GFF President Wayne Forde and Executive Committee member and Interim Head of Refereeing Dion Inniss.
Forde during remarks said, “I want to commend these three match officials that have been placed on the FIFA list. They are a credit to Guyana football and to all of Guyana. We know they are going to go out there, do exceptionally well and make all of Guyana proud.”
Similarly, Inniss said, “For the game to progress and to develop as we want to see it, the importance of high-class officiating cannot be overstated. We are on a path of upward trajectory. We have a plan in place to put refereeing back where it deserves to be.”
He further said, “The systems that have been put in place for training and development have quadrupled. I would invite any young girl and boy from the length and breadth of Guyana to show an interest in officiating.
We look forward one day to seeing our match officials at a World Cup or Olympic match.”
Skeete, a two time nominee for Concacaf female referee of the year, has been on the list since 2014, while referee Johnson made the cut two years prior. Assistant referee Lindey has featured in the selection since 2015.
Meanwhile Skeete stated, “Last year, we all know was a very difficult year, but I stayed positive and continued training. The fact that I am in the army – I’m a staff sergeant – that has kept me focused and motivated and strong to continue to push forward. I am excited to get back on the field – to get out there and show my talents and to make Guyana, myself and my organisation proud.”
Also. Lindey stated, “I’m looking to reach the highest pinnacle possible. It’s currently very challenging, but I am just keeping my body fit because fitness is one of the key elements in refereeing.”
Johnson, who officiated the final of the GFF Bounce Back Classic tournament at the turn of the year, said he couldn’t wait “to get back to the pitch to referee and represent Guyana.”
