Susan Karike Huhume

Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, while addressing the crowd during his final farewell this afternoon, acknowledge the contribution of late Susan.

“I want to also acknowledge the passing of Susan Karike Huhume who designed our flag who passed away. I thank her and her family, for the contribution she made to PNG.

“The flag flies all over the world, they see the Bird of Paradise, the colours and stars depicting where we are,” he said.

He passed his condolences and that of his wife’s lady Veronica, to the family of late Susan.

Like a proud mother gazing up in adoration at her child, the late Susan Karike Huhume would do the same as her flag fluttered in the breeze.

Heisi Novulu, Susan’s cousin sister, told Loop PNG that our country’s flag designer had spent most of her adult life at the Gordon’s Police Barracks in Port Moresby.

Her husband, Nanny Huhume, from Benabena district in Eastern Highlands Province, used to be an officer in the Royal PNG Constabulary.

Husband Nanny Huhume confirmed with Loop PNG that Mrs Huhume died at around 2pm at the intensive care unit.

Susan’s body is still at the Hospital while other details have yet to be made available by family.

Mrs Huhume, from Meii Village, Gulf Province, succumbed to an illness after she was admitted last week at the ICU.

Despite rumours spreading on social media regarding her death, husband Nanny Huhume says her condition has remained the same.

Mrs Huhume, from Meii Village, Gulf Province, is still fighting for her life after succumbing to an illness last week.

Mr Huhume told Loop PNG that he still wants to move her to a better health facility.

The family is asking the country to stand with them in prayer in this time of distress.

Mrs Huhume, who hails from Meii Village, Central Kerema, is fighting for her life at the Port Moresby General Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit after succumbing to an illness last week.

She was rushed to the hospital and is currently in a critical condition at the hospital.

Known then as Susan Hareho Karike, Susan submitted a design which was accepted as the design for the PNG flag in 1971 and four years later, she joined the newly born country in raising our national identity on September 16, 1975.

Relatives of the PNG flag designer, Susan Karike Huhume, are showing moral support for their wantok. They are taking up the cry for better entitlements for the brains behind the country's flag.

Spokesperson Saba Savara said they started gathering early this morning after reading a story from Loop PNG yesterday.

"We are planning on staying here until we get a government representative to come and give an insight into what plans are there for her," Savara told Loop PNG.

Susan Karike Huhume is on life support at the Ward 7/Intensive Care Unit at the Port Moresby General Hospital. (http://ow.ly/xR6j30aI95S)

Concerns were raised by the family on the lack of recognition for their mother, which prompted emotional responses from readers.

One reader even suggested for PNG citizens to take ownership and assist Susan’s family in their time of need.