Witnessing the change of times
IT has been the venue for many landmark sporting, national and even aviation events. From the historic landing of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith’s “Southern Cross” in his epic trans-Pacific flight in 1928 to international cricket matches and playing host to dignitaries, Albert Park in Suva has been the setting for many an iconic event.
Located opposite the Government buildings in Suva, the park has often been referred to by many as ‘Suva’s pride’.
Despite its popularity, not many know the story behind the park’s name and the pavilion.
According to an article published in The Fiji Times on September 9, 2016, Albert Park was originally established as a cricket ground which also housed tennis courts in the 1880s and classed as a recreational reserve until September 6, 1922, when an ordinance escalated its status to park.
It was gifted by Suva-siders of renown Thomson (William) and Renwick (Samuel) who eventually had streets named after them.
The duo were business partners who owned much of Suva – including the area between Nabukalou Creek and Cakobau Rd.
The park was named after Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria, who was the Queen of England when Fiji was ceded to Great Britain in 1874.
And the pavilion was named after the great Australian aviator Charles (later Sir Charles) Kingsford Smith.
On May 31, 1928, Kingsford –Smith (“Smithy” as he was affectionately known) together with Charles Ulm (co-pilot), Harry Lyon (navigator) and
James Warner (radio operator) set off from Oakland in California in their aircraft, the “Southern Cross”.
Mr Smith and the crew first landed in Hawaii before setting off for Fiji and lifted a total of seven tonnes of fuel and gear into the air.
That leg of the journey set a record 34 and half hours of flight time across open seas before gliding past the Grand Pacific Hotel (GPH) where many people saw it touch down at Albert Park on June 6, 1928.
The historic landing of the ‘Southern Cross’ Fokker aircraft was the first of the kind to land in Fiji.
The event was recorded as one of the greatest feats in aviation history.
The park was also the venue of one of Fiji’s most significant events when, on October 9, 1970, Prince Charles brought and handed over the instruments of Independence and constitution to Governor General designate Sir Robert Forster and Prime Minister Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.
On October 10, the following day, the noble banner blew flew for the first time at Albert Park as the country gained Independence from Great Britain.
Over the years, the park has hosted many important sporting games and was the focal point for community events, such as the Hibiscus festivals.
Due to overuse, the park had weathered and encountered problems with flooding and uneven surfaces.
Plans for the relocation of the Kingsford Smith Pavilion were made and in 2015, the old pavilion on Southern Cross Rd was demolished and replaced by a new pavilion on Cakobau Rd.
On September 5, 2016, former prime minister Voreqe Bainimarama officiated the opening of the new Albert Park after a $17 million redevelopment to the grounds and pavilion.
The new pavilion was moved across the park from its original site and now faces the parliament buildings.
The project was collaboration between the Local Government Ministry, Suva City Council project managers, architects, engineers and turf specialists from Yanjian Group (Fiji).
The refurbishment included two cricket fields, a 100 seat grandstand, corporate lounges and VIP rooms as well as four rugby grounds with modern lighting.
Playing fields were re-laid and renovated and a memorial to the landing of the Southern Cross was built near the new pavilion.
Someone who has witnessed a lot of events at Albert Park is Roshni Kumar.
She and her four sons and their families have been selling food at the Kingsford Smith pavilion for more than 20 years.
She said her shop ‘Albert Park Kiosk, was famous for its lamb curry and was widely known and frequently patronised by many government workers who would stop by during their lunch break.
Ms Kumar, who lost her husband Shiu Kumar in 2010, said they began their business by selling roti and curry and snacks from the back of their yellow van in Walu Bay before moving to Albert Park in 1994.
“When my husband and I started selling at Albert Park, we had only one staff,” the 58-year-old said.
She said over the years, the family has been part of many memorable celebrations, including World Cup celebrations and numerous other events.
Her eldest son Shavneel Kumar runs the food shop while she cooks and prepares the food at their home in Samabula.
Mr Kumar said his parents started their business well before his three brothers started school and he spent more time at the kiosk than at their home.
Another iconic landmark of Suva, the Grand Pacific Hotel, is located across the road from the park and the ‘grand old lady’ has for more than 100 years kept a watchful eye over the Suva harbour.
The hotel has hosted the likes of Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip, along with Prince Harry and wife Meghan.
Both Albert Park and the Grand Pacific Hotel are two of the most recognisable landmarks in Suva and will no doubt continue to be for many more years to come.