That was also my impression a few years ago, decade really. Certainly everyone perfers communicating in their native tongue, but hey! even us English speakers poke fun at our different accents. However, this new generation seems to be much more comfortable with and accepting of English and the doors it opens both culturally and in business; it's study is required for high schoolers now. Maybe it's helped along by the almost invasive exposure to American music & TV.

This last trip I found the Antilleans who were not fluent in English, at least had some (think the typical American with rusty high school Spanish)few words they could call upon. I was pleseantly surprised by just plain folks we stopped in the street to ask for help or directions.

Your mileage may very...