Once again reports about introducing the concept of an executive president in the governance of T&T have been emerging. These reports have also induced within me reflections on the old French dictum, "The more things change, the more they remain the same."The history of T&T has been characterised by a pre-history, a Spanish, a British, an independence with a governor, and now a republican period. The British period with its Crown colony status is particularly interesting to me. Yes, it was during Crown colony rule that we witnessed the existence of slavery and indentured labour. My point is simple. Regardless of whatever period we have had, little benefits flowed to the masses. Beneficiaries were always the elite -be they expatriate or national rulers. So clearly, this talk of an executive president for T&T must tickle me. How is it going to improve governance in this country? How is it going to screen the Machiavellians who anxiously wait to take over the reigns of government in this country? Will an executive president improve the lot of our masses and the economy of our country? Really, what good will such a leader bring for us? Why do we as a people love to hold on to form rather than substance?