St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ trio of FIFA-accredited football match officials recently reached new professional heights, gaining unprecedented exposure in high-profile international friendlies featuring global football powerhouses.
On June 7, 2025, Kenran Daniel served as Assistant Referee Two in a thrilling matchup between Mexico and Switzerland at the Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah. The occasion marked Daniel’s most significant assignment to date.
“That game, I likened it to a World Cup encounter,” Daniel recalled. “It was my first time in such an environment. I felt overwhelmed on the big stage with two big countries, but I was able to keep my composure.”
Just three days later, on June 10, two more Vincentians took center stage. Moeth Gaymes officiated as the Referee, and Denroy Barker served as Assistant Referee One during the Mexico vs Türkiye clash at Kenan Memorial Stadium in North Carolina, before a crowd of over 25,000 spectators.
“To officiate a match featuring 17th-ranked Mexico and 27th-ranked Türkiye was a dream fulfilled,” Gaymes shared. “This was my biggest game so far. I was physically and mentally prepared and treated it as if it were a World Cup final.”
Gaymes, who balances officiating with early morning runs, a full-time job, and work in local netball as an umpire and assessor, credits his discipline for keeping him match-ready.
For Barker, the experience was equally memorable. “It was a good experience officiating at this high level. I feel proud of my performance,” he said. “You have to train every day for opportunities like this. Even though we come from a small country, we have what it takes to be among the best football officials in the world.”
Barker expressed deep appreciation for local assessors who helped sharpen his officiating skills over the years, contributing to his readiness for such high-caliber games.
Together, the trio boasts an impressive 32 years of FIFA accreditation—Gaymes and Barker each with 11 years, and Daniel with 10—solidifying their reputations as elite officials from the Caribbean.
Their recent appointments not only represent personal milestones but also serve as a testament to the quality and dedication of match officials emerging from St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
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