Pirates preying on fishermen in the Gulf of Fonseca are becoming more and more of a threat. 

After being included in the gray list of FATF, the Panama is said to be prone to money laundering. 

The collapse of oil prices will likely have positive effects on the global economy, accelerating growth.  Yet in the region there will be losers, as well as winners as the price of oil sinks. 

Stormy economic weather in Argentina and Brazil, which account for 70% of total passengers, is the leading factor behind the fall in cruise revenues.  Economists debate the options for dealing with the Vultures. 

Biodiversity could be the “linchpin” of Colombian technological development while Costa Rica stands out as the best destination in the Americas for service outsourcing. 

It is hoped that the new director of Governance, Risk and Compliance will help renew confidence in Petrobras, though the World Band has it doubts. 

Brazil has targeted Petrobras contractors as its corruption probe expands. 

Argentina has a plan to bypass the vulture funds.  Economy minister Axel Kicillof has praised the results of a recent debt swap. 

Economic mega projects are among the largest producers of social conflicts in the country.  Groups affected have reported imprisonment and murder.  And 2014 closed with a good deal of pessimism about Mexico’s economy. 

Thousands of Guatemalans living abroad and foreign visitors send money.