We have just moved to panama, and every time we ask for any sort of work to be done they seem to pluck a figure out of the air, the Panama’s seem to have maids and gardeners for next to nothing, yet when we ask for prices they seem ridiculous.

Maybe you are going about it all wrong. Instead of asking for prices just make an offer and see if anyone wants to work for that.
The workers probably don’t realize you are looking for employees. Maybe you can talk with some workers and tell them you would be willing to hire their friends or relatives. There are many Central American workers hanging out on the streets here looking for work. When I stop to talk to them a crowd of 25 or 30 will gather to tell me they are good workers. If I wear a hat they come running and call me "Jefe" or "Boss Man".