Declaration of Sophia

Chapter 4 A Socialist Party

4.1 You will have noticed that the first article of the draft Constitution declares that the "Party is a Socialist Party." That connotes or means that the Party's ideology is Socialism.

4.2 In the courses referred to earlier, and in the Party literature published from time to time, the concept and the tenets of Socialism have been and will be fully discussed. At this stage, therefore, I do not propose to go into an in depth treatment of the subject.

4.3 It is important, however, at this juncture to note and observe certain - at least two - basic differences between capitalism and socialism.

4.4 The former contemplates, and is primarily based on, the production of goods and services for profit to the individual, while the latter premises production for the use of and service of the people, to human beings. In the latter case, surpluses are sought in certain operations and undertakings. These surpluses, however, are not intended to be pocketed and owned by private individuals as a means of enrichment and power, rather to be further invested in development and/or deployed to provide services to the people.

4.5 This distinction between the two systems is pivotal. Since the P.N.C is a Socialist party, its members, and more particularly it leaders, cannot be involved in ruthless private profit hunting. As we shall see later, since socialism represents a goal or ideal towards which we are working and striving, we cannot hope by the waving of a magic wand to banish overnight from Guyana, all traces of capitalism and capitalist attitudes. While we seek to educate and re-orient we shall have to face the realities of our present stage, but, it is axiomatic that the capitalist oriented cannot lead a Socialist Party, or Guyana to Socialism.

4.6 Capitalism premises the existence of a society of classes; socialism aims at establishing a classless or egalitarian society. In the latter case, though there will be functional superiors and inferiors for organisational purposes, every citizen is valuable and has an important social task to perform. There is no automatic preferment because of wealth or birth and there is equality of opportunity for all, based on ability, aptitude and the society's needs and priorities. The emphasis is on the value of the human being as part of a whole society.

4.7 Those, therefore, who are riddled with the capitalist ethos of class distinctions and the power of wealth to buy or earn individuals anything, have not yet qualified for membership of the People's National Congress. In fact, their influence on the society and its thinking has to be guarded against and fought strenuously. At the same time, the P.N.C must work on such persons with the object of curing the disease so as to save the patient whose abilities and energies can contribute to the achievement of our goal. We will not succeed in all cases - every doctor knows that - but we can in some, if not many.

4.8 Under the capitalist system, one of the important items of wealth is property - in Guyana particularly in land. It is considered sacrosanct, a projection of the owner's personality, an index of success, a reward from the Divine for good deeds and the gateway to social prominence.

4.9 We socialists hold that property is for the use and benefit of the society and nation, and not for hoarding, profiteering and manipulation by private individuals for their own ends and benefits.