Gore arrives in Virgin Islands for weekend stay

<br>CHARLOTTE AMALIE, U.S. Virgin Islands (AP) _ Vice President Al Gore arrived Saturday on the island of St. Thomas for some rest and relaxation, just days after conceding the presidential race to George

Saturday, December 16th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

CHARLOTTE AMALIE, U.S. Virgin Islands (AP) _ Vice President Al Gore arrived Saturday on the island of St. Thomas for some rest and relaxation, just days after conceding the presidential race to George W. Bush.

An entourage of at least 20 vehicles was waiting when Air Force Two arrived at Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas. Gore descended the stairs to the tarmac and shook hands with Gov. Charles Turnbull and Donna Christian-Christensen, the U.S. territory's congressional representative.

The vice president got into a black sport utility vehicle. He plans to stay at a private residence on St. Thomas and return to Washington on Tuesday, spokeswoman Camille Johnston said.

Gore is scheduled to meet with President-elect George W. Bush in Washington on Tuesday, in a gesture of unity after weeks of disputing the results of the Nov. 7 presidential election.

The U.S. Virgin Islands, in the Caribbean, have been owned by the United States since they were purchased from Denmark for $25 million in gold in 1917.