My experience has been the Spanish speaking controllers in the South and Central America's do not reflect a lack of English proficiency. Quite the contrary.

Lack of correct ICAO phraseology amongst Spirit new hires is not embarrassing either. Just yesterday into SJO I heard Jet Blue and UCAL embarrass themselves as well.

I suppose a new hire Spirit pilot creating an internet thread making fun of a Spanish controllers correct but accented aviation English may be funny as well.

I gently explain to a guy/girl that has never been south of the 48 that as I, and they, may very well be able to count to 10 in Spanish that I have no idea how to say "forty" in Spanish.

I then explain to them that we need to say "four zero zero" instead of "fohhundred". The light goes off, they say they get it, but it takes at least two more trips until they can communicate effectively.

Que?