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The epitome of paradise, the Caribbean and all of the Islands it includes conjure up caribbean-jobs/images of laid back living at its most picturesque including white sandy beaches, azure seas and sunshine. The friendliness of the locals and the informal way of life and business make it an attractive place to live and work. Despite comprising over an amazing 7000, The main Islands of the Caribbean are; Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Colombia, Cuba, Domenica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Mexico, Montserrat, Netherlands Antilles, Nicaragua, Port Rico, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, Saint Vincent & The Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks & Caicos Islands, United States Virgin Islands and Venezuela.

The population of The Caribbean totals 37.5 million people and major  ethnic groups include; East Indians, Africans, Native Americans (Arawak, Caribs, Tainos), Europeans (Spanish, French, English, Portuguese, Dutch), Asian (Chinese, Indian) Demonym West Indian, and of course, Caribbean.

Geography
The chain of islands surrounds the Caribbean Sea. To the north is the Caribbean Sea bordered by the Gulf of Mexico, the Straits of Florida, and the Northern Atlantic Ocean which lies to the East and Northeast; the coastline of the continent of South America lies to the south.

Some islands in the region have relatively flat terrain of non-volcanic origin. These islands include Aruba (possessing only minor volcanic features), Barbados, Bonaire, the Cayman Islands, Saint Croix, The Bahamas or Antigua. Others possess rugged towering mountain-ranges like the islands of Cuba, Dominica, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Montserrat, Puerto Rico, Saba, Saint Kitts, Saint Lucia, Grenada, Saint Vincent, Guadeloupe, and Trinidad & Tobago.

The waters of the Caribbean Sea host large, migratory schools of fish, turtles, and coral reef formations. The Puerto Rico trench, located on the fringe of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea just to the north of the island of Puerto Rico, is the deepest point in all of the Atlantic Ocean.

Climate
The climate of the region is tropical but rainfall varies with elevation, size and water currents (cool upwelling’s keep the ABC islands arid). Warm, moist trade winds blow consistently from the east creating rainforest/semi desert divisions on mountainous islands. Occasional northwesterlies affect the northern islands in the winter. Winters are warm, but drier. The waters of the Caribbean Sea host large, migratory schools of fish, turtles, and coral reef formations. The Puerto Rico trench, located on the fringe of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea just to the north of the island of Puerto Rico, is the deepest point in all of the Atlantic Ocean.

Hurricanes, which at times batter the region, usually strike northwards of Grenada, and to the west of Barbados. The principal hurricane belt arcs to northwest of the island of Barbados in the Eastern Caribbean.

Living in the Caribbean
If you're tired of living in an urban area and want to experience a different way of living, the Caribbean is certainly the opposite. It is important to understand however that any move to pursue living in the Caribbean also means being ready to adjust to the particular conditions of the island. Since there are over 7,000 islands in the Caribbean, you should reasonably expect that each one is different from the others. If you're the type whose easily get bored or not accustomed to a life far from busy towns and cities, you may need to think twice. What is idyllic for a two week vacation can be frustrating as a permanent way of life. If you are not sure whether island living is for you, then try renting a Caribbean property for a while and see how you fare. You may want to spend few weeks or few months in the island prior to your big move. It would be good to live for an extended period since this is a better way of testing to see if you can adjust well to island living.

Each Island has its own rules and regulations on visas and employment laws. A good Google search will put you in touch with the particular governmental departments you need.

Using Barbados as an example;

Duration of Visit
Visitors coming to Barbados should provide proof of adequate means of support during their stay.

Extension of Stay
Visitors wishing to extend their stay should make an application to the Immigration Department on the prescribed form which is available at the department. The following items should be submitted with the application:

• one passport size photograph
• a valid passport or travel document
• a valid airline ticket
• evidence of means of support
• application fee of BDS $25 (US$ 12.50)

Visitors are not permitted to engage in any occupation or to accept any employment during the period of their stay.

Those wishing to seek permanent residence should seek guidance from Immigration department and be able to provide proof of employment etc.

Accommodation
Again, using Barbados as an Island example, there are many villas and luxury homes on the market, from historic coral stone great houses built in the colonial style to modern luxurious mansions that maintain the Barbadian tradition of refined elegance.

Alternatively you may select a more affordable home in a comfortable and friendly Barbados neighbourhood. Barbados properties may be rented directly by their owner, or through a reputable property management company. One bedroom apartments start at $500 pcm and rise according to location etc. Two bedroom villa’s start at $2000 pcm going up to anything you can imagine. Barbados, like other Caribbean Islands is renowned as both an exclusive holiday destination and a retirement bolthole for wealthy expats. Many celebrities own holiday villa’s on the Islands

Caribbean economy and jobs.
The resources that make significant contributions to domestic economies and regional job sectors include, but are not limited to: fisheries, bauxite, iron, nickel, petroleum and timber,. It has been noted by some that the Caribbean’s most important resource is its tropical island setting, which has generated a unique tourism sector.

The leading Caribbean export comes from Trinidad and Tobago, which possesses substantial petroleum reserves, and is regarded as the richest country in terms of natural resources. As a result of this, Trinidad also maintains the regional role of producer of heavy industrial products, such as asphalt, ammonia, and iron.

In Barbados, the three main economic drivers are: tourism, the international business sector, and foreign direct-investment. These are supported in part by Barbados operating as a service-driven economy and an international business centre. The public service remains the Island’s largest employer.

Hospitality
The Caribbean is home to many exclusive hotels and resorts. In turn, staff requirement in food and beverage, reservations and guest services are high. Many major chains and operations employ expatriate management to run the larger hotels and departments within General management, sales and marketing. The cruise industry is a huge contributor to Island economies, and if you cannot decide which Island you want to live in, you could get a job on board one of the large cruise ships and feel like you are living them all!

Tourism.
The influx of tourists into the Islands throughout the year creates a demand for services relating to the logistics (travel operators representatives) through to tour guides, excursions and entertainments.

Offshore Finance.
Off shore financial services are a large employer of expats throughout the larger Islands – specifically The Cayman Islands, which is home to HSBC Bank PLC amongst other global finance houses.

Entertainment
Island life is typically relaxed and laid back. Renown for the fondness of rum based cocktails; Caribbean inhabitants have a notoriously informal attitude to life. Beach barbeques and impromptu meet ups and dances at beach bars are the norm.

Larger Islands have their own, pricier gourmet style restaurants, but with the delicious typical local cuisine ‘like mama makes’ available on every corner, there really is no need to splash out except on special occasions.
In Barbados the Friday night ‘Oistins Fish Fry’ is a major night out. A make shift danceflor is surrounded by benches and food & beverage sellers, literally a hundred different fast food retailers – typically seafood, and beer sold from cool boxes. Once everyone is suitably relaxed, the dancing begins!

Healthcare.
Many health centres in the Caribbean are government run and free. Modern private hospitals exist in larger Islands and town private health insurance would be required due to costs. It is not unusual for expatriates to travel to the US for major surgeries and complicated Illnesses and treatment for Oncology issues.