Kokoda trek not over yet

Briton Matthew Lovane and American girlfriend Michelle Clemens who had claimed they were kidnapped by Cannibals along the Kokoda Track had lied their way into getting a permit from the Kokoda Track Authority and had set off to the track despite proper equipment.

According to Adventure Kokoda’s Major Charlie Lynn, advices given to the couple by porters at Sogeri Lodge were ignored.

Major Lynn who had been tracking the Kokoda for over 20 years said Adventure Kokoda works out of Sogeri Lodge and he was told of what had transpired before the couple set off.
 

 (L-r) Major Charlie of Adventure Kokoda Tourism , and Sport Tourism Minister Justin Tkatchenko, and Frank Taylor, President of Kokoda Tour operators Association addressing the media on last week Wednesday on the Kokoda Incident.

Picture by BAE KIMALI

“I know because we work out of Sogeri Lodge and I know the people at Sogeri Lodge and they have told me what happened.

“Those people turned up and lied to the KTA to get a permit and set off on their own despite warnings,”

“They were adviced that they did not have the proper equipment and they ignored the advice and set off to the track. They had no tracking boots but their sneakers. They had casual clothing and not enough food; they carried a few noodles and said they would find food at shops along the way. They were heading off into the wet season,they had no guide, no map, they hadn’t even planned on a sleeping bag, they had no tent, no torch and they refused to have a guide.

“It is my opinion that they wanted something to happen so they could sell the story and I’ll stand by that and I’ll argue that with anybody because that is the most cruel hearted action that I have ever come across in my 25 years with the kokoda trail. It has soiled the name of Kokoda, it has soiled the name of Papua New Guinea and we have to regain that.

Major said the people living along the Kokoda and Papua New Guinea deserves better and not to be conned by a couple who think they could come and create an easy survival story.

Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Justin Tkatchenko said he will make it his personal business to get to the bottom of the incident.

“We want to protect Kokoda and the industry. My personal view of this incident is that I do not want this unfortunate event to destroy it for the absolute majority. This is a tragedy that a young American was allegedly raped but it does not help when her boyfriend falsely dramatized this issue which does not help the woman as well. There are a lot of questions to be asked and answers are required. We will work together with Kokoda Track Authority to help them revisit this issue and make sure an event like this never happens again,” He said.

Meanwhile Police are still investigating the incident and has so far, captured two of the alleged perpetrators.

According to Minister Tkatchenko, one more suspect is still at large.

President of Kokoda Tour Operators Association, Frank Tylor, who flew into the country with Major Charlie from Australia upon learning of the news, has expressed his disappointment and refuted claims by the couple that they were kidnapped by cannibals.

 

Mr.Tylorwho has been involved with Kokoda for over 33 years said the Kokoda Association is extremely concerned.

“I myself have walked the Kokoda track for about 140 times or so and like many, we end up having a firm attachment to the people and the country and the people along the track that you get to know very well. This event had damaged the country and the little people that make up the Kokoda community and that is a tragedy. The minster has mentioned uncertainties and I think the need for answers and establishment of facts is vital.

Tylor said all parties involved in the recent incident have to come out clean to protect the good name and history of the Kokoda journey.