Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley has denied reports that he was out of the country "playing golf".

Rowley said he is on private business in Calfornia until June 25. He said he informed President George Maxwell Richards, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Speaker of the House Wade Mark of his absence.

He was responding to criticisms that he "disappears" without explanation and that he is "frequently" abroad and to speculations that he goes to play golf.

"No I was not playing golf. And I have not disappeared," he said on Monday, indicating that he wrote the President, Prime Minister and Speaker.

He said the Speaker made an announcement, advising the country of his absence. He said the office of Opposition Leader in Trinidad and Tobago was a part-time office and that it allowed the office-holder to have another job.

Rowley said he is in touch with PNM general secretary Ashton Ford and party chairman Franklyn Khan on a daily basis. He also speaks daily with Chief Whip Marlene McDonaldson and lady vice-chairman, Donna Cox.

Rowley said he was the least travelled MP and regularly gives way to other PNM MPs when trips related to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association are being offered.

He said he was also criticised for bringing a motion of no confidence in March but the issues he raised in that debate—economy, crime, Caribbean Airlines—which were not addressed by the Government, were still on the national table.

He said he was, apart from Patrick Manning, the most experienced parliamentarian and he had a time-table about what he does, how he does it and it was all being done in the interest of the PNM.