Jamaican [James Beckford], a two-time World Championship medallist, posted a long jump victory at 8.09 metres, while Trinidad and Tobago's Ato Modibo and the U.S. Virgin Islands' Láveme Jones logged victories on the track. Jones clocked a wind-assisted 22.67 seconds to land the women's 200 metres, chased by American Wyllesheia Myrick (23.05) and Britain's Emily Freeman (23.15). In the women's 400 metres, Guyana's 2002 Commonwealth Games champion Aliann Pompey clocked 52.41 seconds for the runner-up spot behind Ireland's Joanne Cuddihy (52.26).
Guided by the theme 'Jamaican Women Shaping Our Culture' the occasion was marked by a display of colourful and lively performances from guest performers and the 13 parish queens. The contestants, all queens in their own right, made the first of three appearances in long dresses, depicting aspects of their individual parishes. Before they made their entrance, a moat door was lowered unto the recreated courtyard of one of Jamaica's premier historical sites, Fort Charles.' and through the door they emerged, to tumultuous applause from a partisan audience.
