Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to begin charting the discussion of sustainable livelihoods (SLs) towards the Caribbean. Its aim is to put this debate within a Caribbean context and start the process of building the theory that can be adequately applied to Caribbean economies. The end point of this paper, which should be the starting point of the discourse, would be the development of a working definition of the concept based on what constitutes life in the Caribbean. This paper begins the discourse on the development of a Caribbean specific definition of SLs. Many authors and organizations have defined the concept; however, some believe that the existing definitions are too theoretical. Given this, the Caribbean must find a common ground upon which this concept can become useful, as it is based on developing islands with many peculiarities.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper builds the definition by first, summarizing the Caribbean reality; second, by considering the reflections on the concept both internationally and regionally and finally, concluding with the definition of the concept.

Findings
– Presently, the literature from the Caribbean region is still being developed. It is similar to that compiled internationally, particularly that of the Department for International Development (DFID), as DFID's methodology is most frequently used. However, emphasis has been placed on poverty, conservation and management of natural resources, governance, entitlements and capabilities and individual level development.

Originality/value
– The concept highlights some Caribbean peculiarities and applies them to sustainable livelihoods. This definition can be applied to the determination of an index to access the quality of Caribbean livelihoods. It can be used by development practitioners in the determination of sustainable livelihood patterns.