KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Government of Jamaica has announced that the official death toll from Hurricane Melissa has climbed to 32, with eight additional fatalities currently under investigation. The confirmation came during a special media briefing led by Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information, at Jamaica House in Kingston on Monday, November 3. Dr. Morris Dixon expressed deep sorrow over the rising number of casualties, stating, ‘We do expect that number to increase. Every additional person added to that list is profoundly felt by all of us.’ She extended prayers and support to the affected families, acknowledging the immense grief they are enduring. Hurricane Melissa, which struck western Jamaica on October 28, caused widespread devastation, prompting the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to deploy helicopters for search and recovery operations. The government continues to monitor the situation closely, providing updates as recovery efforts progress.