Kokoda attack

Taylor first walked the World War II track in 1983, and have been associated with it ever since.

“I have walked myself over 140 times and have a firm attachment to the people along the track and the country.

“This event damages the country and damages the small people who make up the Kokoda community and it’s a tragedy.”

British citizen Mattew Iovane and American Michelle Clemens alleged that they were, attacked robbed, assaulted, and Michelle raped on Kokoda by cannibals in PNG.   

Their account was published in a London-based newspaper.

Tkatchenko flanked by long-time trekkers and tour operators, Frank Taylor and Charlie Lynn told media this afternoon that he will work to restore Kokoda’s image and also the tourism industry in Papua New Guinea.  

“There are questions to be asked, as your new minister I will personally get to the bottom of it, I will be working closely with Kokoda Track Authority so an event like this never ever happen again.

“I do not want this unfortunate incident to destroy the majority (who rely on tourism for income).

Michael O'Kave KTA Operations and Safety Manager told media that the couple did not go through a licensed operator to pick guides but made private arrangements with other guides on the ground.

O'Kave says the KTA has policies in place that flag such arrangements adding that for now they will help facilitate for the suspects to be brought over. He clarified  that the trip that led to the incident failed in terms of arrangements as it did not meet vital safety criteria. 

Haoda is deeply saddened and embarrassed, ashamed and angry in the manner in which these innocent, helpless and defenseless people were attacked by few senseless and lunatic people.

He urged the people of Koiari to assist police to bring these lunatics to face the law. 

“Our people and our province’s good name have been tarnished,” Haoda said in a statement.

Haoda added that the Kokoda Track Initiative Committee’s spirit to improve the track, its security and livelihood of our Koiari people has been dampened by these few people and incident.

Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) officials and police are also on site to receive the chopper. James Enage CRO for KTA told PNG Loop that they have arranged for the trip over that will take 15 minutes to fly to Efogi, another 15 on ground before the helicopter returns. In total it will take 45 minutes.