MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Penguin News Update.

Headlines:
School kids conquer Usborne; Packed programme for visiting MPs; Fuel prices rise again; Welcoming Multanovskiy; Fixed penalties could end court ordeal for minor traffic offenders; Bonfire Night.

School kids conquer Usborne.

Photo: GCSE Physical Education students and their teachers take a break on the summit of Mount Usborne, the Falklands' highest mountain. The students set out from Cerritos Arroyo on Friday, October 29, on a three day exam-practice expedition. Teacher Mark Lennon said they were required to plan and navigate the route using a map, grid references and compass bearings. The students were in charge of their own food preparation and camping procedures. They worked in small groups dealing with and solving any problems they encountered on the way. Mr Lennon said he was grateful to his fellow teachers, Andy Hepworth and Louise Taylor, and Leisure Centre Manager, Steve Dent, for their help with the trip.

Packed programme for visiting MPs.

FOUR Members of Parliament visiting the Islands later this month will be kept busy during their stay, judging by their newly-published itinerary. The MPs, who will be accompanied by the government's London Representative, Miss Sukey Cameron, are due to arrive in the Islands on Friday, November 19. On November 20 they will fly to Goose Green where they will visit the shearing shed and community hall before participating in a brief battlefield tour. That afternoon they will fly to Pebble Island where they will spend the night. On Sunday they will return to Stanley and will have the day to explore the town. That evening they will dine at the homes of Islanders. Monday will be a day of briefings; the MPs will be addressed by the Chief Executive, Financial Secretary and Councillor Mike Summers on the workings of the government and later on development, agriculture, tourism, and mineral resources. On Tuesday the group will visit Mount Pleasant, where a military programme has been organised for the day. On the return trip to Stanley they will call in to Fitzroy to visit the 1982 memorials. On Wednesday, November 24 the MPs will visit the Fisheries and Education Departments; they will tour the Infant and Junior School, Camp Education and Community School, where they will chat with senior pupils. The MPs will depart the Falklands on Thursday, November 25.

Fuel prices rise again.

THE price of fuel has risen once again in the Falklands. The manager of Stanley Services Ltd, Mr Robert Rowlands, attributes this rise to the, "...increased purchase price of products." The price of diesel has risen from 31pence to 33p per litre, kerosene has risen from 36p to 42p per litre and petrol has risen from 54p to 56p per litre.

Welcoming Multanovskiy

PROFESSOR MULTANOVSKIY, carrying 49 passengers, is the only cruise ship to visit in the next week. On Wednesday she will visit Carcass and Saunders Islands and on Thursday she will call in to Stanley.

Fixed penalties could end court ordeal for minor traffic offenders.

DRIVERS who commit minor road traffic offences may no longer be required to face a traumatic visit to court. Provision for a Fixed Penalty System for minor road traffic offences is to be made in the upcoming Road Traffic Bill. Attending his first meeting of the Police Committee on Tuesday, Justice of the Peace Andy Brownlee made the suggestion that such a system could be implemented. Mr Brownlee said it was a more efficient way of dealing with minor offences adding that it is a, "...nice-in between stage to have before going to court." The Attorney General, Mr David Lang, said he agreed with the proposal and that provision would be made in the Road Traffic Bill. He said, as the law stands at the moment, anyone who is charged with a criminal offence, "must be taken to court;" because the Constitution states anyone charged" must be afforded a trial." He said the provision would require a change in the Constitution so that anyone charged, "shall have the right to a trial." Chief Police Officer, Superintendent Dave Morris, said he was, "happy to implement," the system. Councillor Stephen Luxton explained the fixed penalty system will allow minor traffic offences to be dealt with outside of court but will still give the offender the right to appeal in court if they wish to challenge the penalty. He added that other minor offences such as littering could possibly be included. The dropping of glass bottles outside public houses and litter on Arch and Victory Greens were cited as examples. On Wednesday Superintendent Morris said he could not yet give precise examples of exactly what offences would be covered by the change in law, as this is to be finalised in conjunction with the Attorney General. More police news on page 3.

Bonfire Night.

The Chief Fire Officer is urging revellers to observe the Fireworks Code during Bonfire Night celebrations tonight. Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114. Don't drink alcohol if setting off fireworks. Keep fireworks in a closed box. Follow the instructions on each firework. Light them at arm's length, using a taper. Stand well back. Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn't gone off, it could still explode. Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them. Always supervise children around fireworks. Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves. Never give sparklers to a child under five. Keep pets indoors. Don't set off noisy fireworks late at night and never after 11pm.