Transcript
JENNA GAMINDE: It is a concern to us. Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense, along with our federal and military partners continue to monitor these recent events regarding North Korea including the most recent threats or the statements that they have been making. But at this point we do know that all of the information is coming from international media reports, even our local media reports and here on Guam now, through Guam homeland security, what we're trying to remind our residents is that there has been no official statement from the US Department of Homeland Security or even our military installments here on Guam. And currently there's no change in threat level right now. We're still reminding our residents to stay calm and up to date.
KOROI HAWKINS: So it's all rhetoric at the moment?
JG: At the moment. Of course there is validity to the news reports. It is being reported along multiple channels, so we're not trying to dispute the fact that, of what North Korea is capable of, or what the US is capable of. But what we're trying to remind our residents here on Guam as well as CNMI - our Northern Mariana partners - is that, again there is no change in threat level, but we're not asking the community to do anything extra at this point.
KH: Does North Korea have the capability to reach Guam with missiles?
JG: Unfortunately I'm not able to comment on what capabilities North Korea currently has, but again we can just let people know that Guam Homeland Security/ Civil Defense partners here on Guam.
KH: What about your own capabilities on Guam? I understand there's a layered defence system in place.
JG: There are. So the US defence capabilities is something that our office is very confident in. Our homeland security advisor has gone on record to let the public know that we continue to place our confidence in the US Department of Defense. There are multiple layers of defence across the waves, through South Korea, the Sea of Japan from Japan, even before it gets to our area over here on Guam. So we place our confidence on our military partners.
KH: People obviously are scared or feeling a bit of fear and tension around all this chatter between leaders and even threats of a possible nuclear war I suppose.
JG: Right, so this is very concerning especially for our small island here on Guam. But again we are a US territory, we place our confidence in our US Department of Defense and their capabilities. You know we have had co-ordinations with our military installations here on Guam, through our Guam homeland security advisor and in close co-ordination with our Governor. So we are, again just letting the people know that they can remain calm and remember that there are these defences in place for, not only North Korea threats, but threats around the world. So we are very confident that we are safe here on Guam... not to say that there is no threat, but there is no change in our threat level.