Former Senior General Manager for Construction and Housing at NHT Receives OD

In the realm of construction and housing development, few names resonate as deeply as former Senior General Manager for Construction and Housing at the National Housing Trust (NHT), Donald Moore.

Under his stewardship, the NHT executed large-scale developments across the island, including Longville in Clarendon, Green Pond and Rosemount in St. James, and Orange Bay in Hanover.

For his contribution, Mr. Moore was accorded national recognition with the conferment of the Order of Distinction (OD), Officer Class, on National Heroes Day, October 21.

“It is an honour that was not expected,” Mr. Moore tells JIS News, as he reflects with humility.

“I did my work, and I tried to do it to the best of my ability, not expecting anything but the remuneration that I signed up for. It is really an honour, and it feels good to be recognised for the service I gave to the people of Jamaica,” he says.

Prior to his retirement earlier this year, Mr. Moore spent more than three decades at the NHT, making an indelible mark on Jamaica’s housing landscape.

Mr. Moore’s career at the NHT began with a director of project management role that was relatively new to the Trust.

However, throughout his 34 years of service he moved up the ranks.

“In this time, I was a part of all the housing developments that the NHT executed, he notes.

The former manager tells JIS News that his passion for housing was ignited while he was a student of the St. Elizabeth-based Munro College.

He later pursued higher education in engineering at the University of the West Indies, St. Austine Campus, in Trinidad and Tobago.

Mr. Moore found his calling at the NHT after a few years of working in the public sector.

One project that stands out in Moore’s memory is the creation of Emancipation Park in Kingston.

“The timeline was extremely narrow, and the challenges that we had were numerous. We had to press on and we had some very good workers, people who understood the task and what was being presented to them and took on the challenge of getting the work done,” he recalls.

The park has become a vibrant space enjoyed by all Jamaicans, fulfilling Mr. Moore’s vision of inclusivity and accessibility.

“It is heart-warming to see that the vision at the time matches reality. We envisioned that this would be a park used by all persons in the society, that it would be well maintained, and this is what you have there today,” he says.

Mr. Moore’s contribution has also benefited many Jamaicans in housing development.

Operating on the premise of building Jamaica, he believes that empowering small contractors and workers can foster sustainable growth and build a stronger community.

In retirement, Mr. Moore continues to contribute through consultancy, offering his expertise to various entities, while nurturing his passion for gardening.

He is driven by a desire to solve problems and find innovative solutions, embodying the principles he has championed throughout his career.

As for his legacy, Mr. Moore hopes to be remembered for his integrity and fairness.

“I always apply consistent principles in my decision-making,” he asserts.

His reputation as a reasonable and trustworthy figure has garnered respect across the industry, and he remains a valued resource for advice and recommendations.