The three-day Caribbean Women’s Match Officials’ Course, an initiative aimed at strengthening the pipeline of elite female referees across the region, officially concluded on Sunday (March 8, 2026), bringing a fitting close as participants joined the global community in celebrating International Women’s Day.
The course was a collaborative effort of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) and the Guyana Football Federation.
Held under the theme ‘Give to Gain’, the course provided a dynamic platform for women match officials to enhance their technical knowledge and practical skills.
Over the period, participants engaged in intensive on-field training sessions, led by experienced instructors and complemented by classroom-based discussions covering key refereeing principles and technical topics.
The programme concluded with a closing ceremony and gala event, during which participants honoured women who have made significant contributions to the refereeing fraternity while also reflecting on the legacy of those who paved the way before them.
Special tribute was paid to former FIFA-accredited referee and Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Warrant Officer Maurees Skeete, who passed away on January 8, 2026, following a battle with cancer.
Friends and former colleagues remembered Skeete as a trailblazer whose dedication to the sport continues to inspire the next generation of referees.
Head of Referees for Guyana, Lenval Peart, emphasised the importance of the programme in supporting the development of female match officials in the region.
“The ‘Give to Gain’ course represents a significant milestone for Guyanese football and for female referees across the Caribbean. For non-FIFA female referees in Guyana, it created an environment that allowed them to confidently apply their officiating skills during both classroom instruction and on-field training.
The initiative also fostered networking opportunities and helped build lasting professional relationships among participants, regardless of whether they ultimately achieve FIFA accreditation.”
The first programme of its kind to be hosted in Guyana, the Caribbean Women’s Match Officials’ Course brought together 29 participants from across the region, providing an opportunity for them to share knowledge, exchange experiences, and support each other’s development.
The course also reinforced an important message for women in football; while officiating presents challenges, it remains a vital role that must be carried out with professionalism, resilience, and integrity.
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