PNG flag designer

PNG’s flag designer has not been buried yet due to misunderstandings between her family and the Government.

Eldest son Philip Huhume told Loop PNG that they had planned to bury her on May 25, if the Government promptly addresses their concerns.

“We came up with a tentative haus krai and funeral plan, which was submitted to the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council,” he said.

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.

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.

Susan Hareho Karike (now Mrs Huhume) is on life support at the Ward 7/Intensive Care Unit.

Her eldest son, Philip Huhume, is concerned that his mother has been overlooked for almost 30 years.

“Will the government recognise her while she’s still alive?”

He told Loop PNG that people know the flag but have no idea of the woman behind it.

“Bikpla samting mi laikim em i mas gat luksave lo mama.” (Most important thing I want is recognition for mother.)

Philip has also asked for the country to support his mother in prayer.