President Paula-Mae Weekes has asked Parliamentarians to regain the trust and respect of the public in their deliberations.
She made the remarks as she addressed the ceremonial opening of Parliament today.
She said citizens see Parliament as a place of finger-pointing and 'gallerying' and less as a place where conscious decisions are taken to positively affect the lives of citizens.
"The respect, trust and confidence that once characterised the relationship between Parliamentarians and John Public have been squandered and wittered away," she said.
She told both House of Parliament as they met jointly, that citizens want Parliamentarians to put aside selfish agendas and work together in their best interest.
"People you promise to serve deserve better, much better," she said, reminding the members that it was they who pledged to uphold the law and serve, among other things.
"No dispute or grievance should ever take precedence over your role," she said.
She called for the Parliament to be a place of focus, selflessness, resolve, cooperation and of values that promote peace and good governance.
"Use the new session to present alternatives to a regrettable status quo," she said.
The ceremonial opening also involved a military parade outside the Red House, which President Weekes, as Commander in Chief of the Defence Force, inspected.