Petition

More than one thousand signatures from 34 countries and 56 indigenous groups are calling for a total ban on this industry. 

The 28th Session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) meeting resumed discussions in Kingston over a week ago, where delegates had to decide whether to give course to the first commercial plan to mine the seabed which could begin operations as early as this year.

PMN News reports the activists are challenging governments and the International Seabed Authority to enact a ban on Deep Sea Mining effective immediately.

The petition was started by Yumi Ishikawa who says she was made to wear high heels while working at a funeral parlour.

Her tweets on the issue went viral with more than 30,000 shares.

In 2015, a London receptionist was sent home from work without pay after she refused to wear high heels.

Matangi Tonga reported the petitions, presented on Monday, come alongside claims there were no checks and balances and corruption existed in government.

A former government minister Clive Edwards presented a petition signed by former politicians.

Noble MP Lord Nuku presented a petition from the country's nobles.

The third petition was presented by former MP Teisina Fuko from members of the general public.

Clive Edwards said he believed that once a Royal Commission for Investigation was appointed, a caretaker government would need to be put in place.

The prime minister 'Akilisi Pohiva had urged parliament to defer the petition, which alleges he and his cabinet colleagues breached the constitution, so that the budget could be debated.

The petition asks that an audit be carried out on some government department's budgets from 2015 until now.

It also proposes the impeachment of seven Cabinet Ministers including Mr Pohiva.

Mr Pohiva wants parliament to debate the proposed budget because there's only five or six days left to do so.

A copy of the petition, which contained 3330 signatures, was also delivered to the King.

A member of a committee behind the petition, Mele 'Amanaki, presented a copy to the Speaker of the House, Lord Fakafanua on Wednesday.

Matangi Tonga reports it was endorsed by 'Eua MP and one-time Finance Minister Tevita Lavemaau.

The petition names seven ministers including Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva and alleges they breached the Constitution as well as other laws, saying they are not trustworthy to govern.

The Secretary-General of the Public Service Association, Mele 'Amanaki, said a six member committee, including herself, organised the petition.

Ms 'Amanaki, was a candidate in the last two general elections.

Matangi Tonga reported the petition had been posted online for in an effort to gather more signatures.

The call for impeachment was for 'Akilisi Pohiva and six of his ministers, namely Semisi Sika, Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa, Penisimani Fifita, Mateni Tapueluelu, Vuna Fa'otusia and Tu'i Uata.

 Hundreds of Tongan rugby league fans gathered in central Auckland yesterday where they sang hymns in protest following a heartbreaking and controversial loss to England in the World Cup semi-final on Saturday. Hundreds of Tongan rugby league fans gathered in central Auckland yesterday where they sang hymns in protest following a heartbreaking and controversial loss to England in the World Cup semi-final on Saturday.

Lord Vaea hopes a royal petition will convince the government to change its mind despite its declaration this week that its decision to withdraw from hosting the games was final.

Lord Vaea said the ability of countries like Fiji and Samoa to host top sporting events was more advanced than Tonga's and the recent Super Rugby fixtures provided evidence of that.

The prime minister 'Akilisi Pohiva has told a meeting with the Pacific Games Council that he is adhering to his announcement last month to pull out of hosting the event.

RNZI reports Vaea said Mr Pohiva never gave the council a chance to offer its assistance and alterative options.

He said now a petition involving the sporting community, school principals and members of the general public will be presented to the king next week.

RNZI reports the restructure came after a nearly two year review by the Remuneration Authority but the PSA General Secretary Mele 'Amanaki said it was unfair and the review lacked transparency.

The PSA presented a petition to Cabinet to delay the structure implementation until next year but Cabinet declined it and said the Authority and Public Service Commission would inform the PSA of the reasons why.

Ms 'Amanaki said the petition, with about 500 signatures, would now be presented to the king.