[Abstract] The development of vulnerability index was to a large extent prompted by the reality that many small island developing states register relatively high GNP per capita, giving the impression of economic strength, when in reality their economies are very fragile. This paper explains the rationale for constructing the Vulnerability Index and gives an overview of the work published so far on the construction of such an index. The paper also contains a discussion on the statistical methodology used in building vulnerability indices, and the problems associated with the construction of these indices.

[Abstract] In a recent and major survey of isozyme variation in taro, Lebot et al. (2000) concluded that there are two distinct genepools in Southeast Asia and Melanesia, and that these probably reflect natural differentiation ofthe species on each side of the Wallace Line. Recently, I concluded that'because different cultivars are used in different ways, preserving culinary knowledge is very important for preserving genetic diversity intaro, and vice versa: without the one, the other may become irrelevant'. Here I will consider the implications of genetic and ethnographic data forthe future of taro cultivation in the Pacific.

The case of East Timor shows that it is indeed possible for disenchanted provinces to exit the Indonesian unitary state. In Timor 24 years of terrible abuses and costly struggle were rewarded with a climactic Indonesian campaign of terror and destruction, but there is now at least a fair prospect of peace and independence under a United Nations guarantee.

Clearly the reformasi of the Habibie interregnum did not mollify the East Timorese. Can West Papua, with a larger grievance* as well as a large claim against the UN, be satisfied by promises of autonomy and a more just division of the revenues generated by exploitation of its rich resources? On the other hand, would/could even an effectively democratic and decentralizing Indonesian yield to the almost universally supported Papuan demand for independence?

The paper will argue that the "Indonesian" project has failed as decisively in West Papua as in East Timor, and that in order to avoid another Timor Indonesia will have to yield to the logic of the record of its own fatal abuses and failures among the Papuans, many of which are continuing.

*For the 1969 so-called Act of Free Choice

Christopher Columbus' arrival in the Caribbean heralded the start of an era which was to transform the Caribbean into a unique multicultural society. The chain of islands which makes up the Caribbean stretches 2500 miles from the coast of Florida in the north to Venezuela in the south.These islands vary in size, topography, climate and vegetation.
Of these islands, Barbados is one of the smallest, a mere 730 square kilometres with a population of 260 thousand people. Unlike many of the other islands, Barbados was colonized by just one nation, England. Barbados boast a proud tradition of stable, democratic government based on a diversifed economy making it one of smallest developing nations.

The Fiji economy, in the colonial days, was used for monopoly profit creation, repatriation to the metropolies, and reinvestment with a view to increased future profit repatriation. Following independence in 1970, the state directed the growth and development of the economy. This has led to massive government expenditure, increasing budget deficit and government debt. Following mid 1980s, the government adopted the Structural Adjustment Policies. However, over a decade's SAP experience, economic and social indicators reveal a worsening scenario in Fiji. Poverty level has increased to 33%, about 20% of the children are malnourished, income inequality is increasing every year and crime rate is at its highest ever. The new labor government delivered 2000 budget to turn the country around to a sustainable path of development. The government states that it is making a concerted move to refocus attention on the real needs of the people. A budget that is more people focused in mapping out development strategies. Does the budget represent a new model of development? Can the policy direction taken by the new government place the country on a sustainable path of development. These are some of the questions that the author examines in this paper. The seminar will begin by an overview of the Fiji economy since 1985 and will then provide an analysis of the Fiji governmentsユ 2000 national budget.