Jamaica’s central bank held its key interest rate at 7.0%, noting that while headline inflation is within the target range, it is not firmly anchored. April saw a slight decline in core inflation to 5.7%, but the monetary policy stance remains unchanged due to upward risks, including wage pressures, potential hikes in regulated prices, and persistently high inflation expectations. The bank anticipates inflation might exceed the upper target limit due to factors like seasonal increases in food prices and adjustments in electricity rates and transport costs.