It is time to restore the goodness, faith and trust of our own people in Fiji before we move on to reclaim Fiji's standing as a democratic and just nation in the international fora.

This is the Fiji Day message from the Leader of Opposition Ro Teimumu Kepa as Fijians around the country celebrate Fiji Day today.

Ro Teimumu says we have indeed come of age to celebrate our national life as a diverse nation despite what she calls adverse political circumstances in the last eleven years.

She says on behalf of all the chiefs and people of Fiji, she has the honour to express their sincere gratitude and heartfelt thanks to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland for developing, governing and preparing Fiji to attain independence.

Ro Teimumu says Fiji's independence came about because there was a quest for freedom, justice and unity amongst leaders and people to determine the future and to pay tribute to all our founding leaders and people who continue to display those virtues to make Fiji what it was prior to December 5, 2006.

The Leader of Opposition says in her statement that there is little doubt that the people of Fiji have lost their sense of belongingness and ownership.

She says the opposition has not failed to stand for the freedom, unity and justice for the people of Fiji as they march forward to make Fiji free in 2018.

Ro Teimumu says there are people at home and overseas who are working for this change and she thanks them for their action, courage, vision and zeal.