Bringing costumes to life… New Amsterdam’s veteran float designer Murice Richards is a cultural genius

Mar 22, 2026 News

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By Shermon Hawker

(Kaieteur News) – Mash has recently concluded. As time maintains course, there will be debates on whether or not Mashramani in the modern era is infused with modern elements that dilute its significance, or if a pinch of contemporary flavour makes it more meaningful.

Whatever the position taken, one New Amsterdam native prefers to ‘whistle and mind his own business,’ while he concentrates solely on contributing to the culture with his award-winning float designs, distancing himself from the contentions and politics that may from time-to-time hover over the patriotic celebration.

For almost half a century, Murice Richards, 67, has bent, stooped, perspired and given his essence to weaving costumes for Mash bands throughout Region Six, where his name is lofted among its brightest cultural figures for his contributions.

The father of five resides at Lot 18 Kent Street, New Amsterdam Berbice, formerly a resident of Tucber Park, New Amsterdam. He is a lover of classic oldies, and is also versed with the steel pan.

Richards would secure employment at the New Amsterdam Psychiatric Hospital, where for over 40 years he faithfully served the institution as a nurse aid. All the same, the passion for designing had year-round pulse despite Mashramani being seasonal. This afforded him an advantageous preparedness, with concepts being toyed with in the interim.

A HOUSEHOLD NAME

Being an expert float maker was a natural evolution from being a masterful seamster. Years of hard-earned recognition as a magician behind the sewing machine only helped to encourage his desire to explore, and in 1983, Richards launched out into the highly complex undertaking of crafting physical features for the ever-anticipated Mash float parade and costume display.

He told The Waterfalls, “I started doing small bands, making small costumes. In New Amsterdam, we had ‘Comrade Mash’. In that time, we used to get costumes from the hospitals, banks, et cetera. Costume at that time was very important in New Amsterdam. Majority of industry places and corporations used to make costumes. New Amsterdam was very big with celebrating costumes. The celebration was very good.”

His themed floats and concepts were much touted, and made him a staple in the region’s annual commemorate activities.

He noted that the region took part in Georgetown’s Mash, where his work was a notable eyecatcher as he rapidly made himself a standout among his contemporaries from the 1980s and well into the 90s.

“I developed a lot when we used to have Mash Night. I became professional. I used to enter in the male category. I won a lot of prizes in the male categories,” he reflected.

To his name, the Berbician has won between 12-16 Mash costume competitions at the national level. Also, he won 12-14 competitions in the Small Band category. One of his earned titles was ‘King of the road’.

Though mostly inactive currently, Richards reflected on the era of his prime when he was a consistent headache to other designers with the intricate configuration of his creative concepts.

“I enjoyed Mash. I fight against a lot of professionals. I used to come with a different something when I started building my costume. Either my costume moving, something moving about it. It was enjoyable in front of the judge. I’m very creative.”

FOR LOVE

Owing to it being a once-a-year festivity late February-early March, a livelihood solely based thereupon is not feasible, but Richards explained the many benefits of being able to showcase his work and travel the country, and to also bring recognition to not only himself but New Amsterdam where he lived all his life, and the wider Region Six. His presence through all the years, and the many hours of sweet toil has never been for the benefits and gains, but simply a steadied love for the craft.

“When I do costumes, I don’t get involved in politics, I don’t get involved in nothing at all. I do costumes for the region. I work with this region nearly 30 years. I worked for nothing at all during my time with Mashramani. When I finished working, I never used to get a cent,” he emphasized.

He has also crafted costumes for Region Five. The veteran’s final piece was constructed in 2024 for the Region’s Medium Band.

LOOKING AHEAD

He posited that the celebrations are much larger now, but called on more corporate entities playing a part in Berbice’s activities, which he said are heavily sustained by arriving government floats from Georgetown. Also, he suggested that the floats be adjudicated prior to hitting the streets, as the judges would not be able to detect everything detail while the floats are on the streets and amongst the masses.

Unresolved factors that prompted him to “ease off,” as well as visual impairment dating back two years, have been a spoke in the wheel for him in his love for costume production.

Despite, he is not ready to close the curtains on his passion. In fact, even at his age and notwithstanding his physical setback, Richards stands ready to transmit his immense experience and empty the coffers of his knowledge on those who seek to develop themselves with the art. More than that, he expressed his capability of putting together a costume, which he stated confidently would be a surefire prizewinner.

“The experience I have, I would like to share it when Mashramani time comes. They can call on me, invite me to share my vision. It’s still there with me. I can help the region. I’m willing to share my ideas because I have so much.”

With over 40 years’ experience, and with over 40 designs to his name, Richards has earned his recognition as one of, if not the best designer in the entirety of the region. His many accolades hold true to this.

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• costumes, cultural genius, float designer, Mash, Murice Richards, New Amsterdam

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