Small island developing states (SIDS) are widely acknowledged to be among the most economically vulnerable in the world. As small open economies, SIDS are especially exposed to external shocks. The environmental, economic, and social difficulties stemming from climate change, rising sea levels, and natural disasters exacerbate the significant risks to the sustainable development of SIDS. In spite of the critical impact of high and rising debt levels on the developmental fortunes of these nations, very little comprehensive and rigorous academic research has been conducted on the nexus between debt and development in these vulnerable economies...