To My Loyal Readers: Thank You for Another Incredible Year

This week’s column isn’t about law, public finances, or geopolitics. It’s not a policy critique or a legal explainer. It’s something more personal-and, I’d argue, more important. It’s about you.

Some of you start the week with my column as a Monday tea ritual. Others catch up later-over coffee, lunch, or during quiet moments in the day. Some forward it to friends or colleagues. Some debate it, others critique it. And all of it matters. I’ve even heard from readers who save my columns to their iPads, reading them while traveling-turning them into companions between gate changes and hotel check-ins. This year, with nearly 60 new articles written, I’ve felt more connected to you than ever before.

Encounters That Ground Me

The most humbling part of this journey continues to be the people I meet along the way. I’m often stopped by readers from all walks of life-some familiar, some complete strangers-who tell me they follow the column week after week. From respected scholars to supermarket employees, aviation professionals to retired civil servants. It happens at the gas station, in the supermarket, at the courthouse, and even in airports far from Aruba.

Some readers have told me they looked forward to meeting me in person-not for legal work, but because of what they’ve been reading. That will never stop feeling surreal. And it’s a reminder that this little corner of commentary we’ve built together has found its way into corners of life I never imagined.

One of my favorite unexpected joys is how often people stop my father when he’s out and about. He’s 85 now, and still gets around. People will walk up to him, shake his hand, and say they read my stuff. He finds it hilarious that he’s now referred to as “the father of the lawyer-writer” flipping the script on decades of me being introduced as the son of. He gets a kick out of it. I find it deeply touching. It makes my day everytime.

A Moment of Recognition

This past Friday brought news I’m still processing. Exclusivo Magazine, under the editorship of Jaqueline Wernet, named me Man of the Year for 2025, recognizing the role these columns have played in informing, challenging, and educating the community. I don’t write for awards. But I’d be lying if I said the recognition didn’t move me. It’s a reminder that words matter-especially when you use them carefully, honestly, and consistently.

To everyone who writes to me via email, WhatsApp, LinkedIn-or stops me on the street, or messages through a friend, or passes on a word to my dad-thank you. Your feedback, support, and sometimes your challenges, fuel this weekly effort. You make it worth it.

Where the Columns Are Written

People often ask me when and where I write. The truth? Anywhere I can. Some columns are written at home in the kitchen, others out back in the yard with a stogie breeze or in the mid-morning with a cup of Dominican coffee. Some are written in the silence of early mornings or while the sunsets quietly at the end of the dat; others while traveling-in hotel rooms, airport lounges, or even mid-flight at 40,000 feet. There’s no formula, no ritual. Just a commitment to putting thought into words, week after week.

Some weeks, inspiration flows. Other weeks, it needs coaxing. But regardless of the setting, the goal is the same: to give you something meaningful, worth your time, and hopefully thought-provoking.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As 2026 approaches, I find myself thinking about pace, purpose, and priorities. I plan to begin a gradual pivot-stepping slowly toward an “of counsel” role in the legal profession. The aim is to create more distance from the dockets, focus more deeply on a select number of areas, pursue a few meaningful projects, and leave space to build, create, and simply enjoy life a bit more. I’ve learned over the years that no lawyer is indispensable-not even to their clients. On top of that on my-day, December 28th, I’d be working 35 years, excluding my jobs in college. And so, my next chapter will be designed around me, not around anyone else’s timeline.

I’m still toying with the idea of finally starting a Ph.D. thesis in aviation law. Whether that materializes is something I’ll figure out in time. If I do pursue it, will it affect how often I write this column? I honestly don’t know. We’ll cross that bridge when we get there. For now, I remain committed to this weekly rhythm we’ve built-where thoughts become words and words spark conversations. As long as I enjoy it and find the time you will find me here.

With Gratitude

To those who’ve supported this column from day one-to those who joined this year, and to those who read quietly but loyally-I thank you.

To Trempan.com, whose early vision planted the seed for a legal column years ago, my heartfelt thanks. And to the team behind it – Patrick, Paskel, Maritza Maduro, and Jenise Thiel – thank you for your unwavering weekly support. Your dedication to keeping this space alive and accessible is part of why it has grown into what it is today.

To the media outlets who republish my work – Aruba.nu, Bonaire.nu, BonDia.com, Algemeen Dagblad, Curacao.nu and 24ora.com – thank you for taking my content and making it available to your readers, in translation or in your own format. Your contribution expands the reach even further. This column is also yours.

To my boys – Dad, sons, Bryan, Andin and of course, Tobio-thank you for being the grounding force that allows me to show up and write each week. 

And to you, dear reader: thank you for making space for my thoughts in your busy week. Thank you for your encouragement, your questions, and your trust. This column is as much yours as it is mine.

I wish you and your families a peaceful holiday season and a purposeful new year.
See you in 2026!

Lincoln

P.S. Don’t forget to check out my new website – www.lincolngomez.com – where you’ll find all my blogs, podcasts, and more.