Full Name

Labon Kenneth Blackburn Leeweltine Buckonon Benjamin

Born

1955, Antigua

Between 1988 and 2000 Gravy was an ever present at Antigua Recreation Ground's and as much a part of the island's cricket as anyone on the field. With a small platform in front of the Double Decker stand, he kept crowds entertained with his antics, his colourful and sometimes outrageous outfits (not restricted to male clothing) and gymnastic ability. "A chap slightly off his rocker, a blazing extrovert, an attention seeker, and a man with no worries," wrote Rahul Bhattacharya. "Actually, he is soft, sober, sentimental." He received no financial support from either the board or the ground authorities, relying on income from his small gifts and souvenir shop in St John's, and after his retirement in 2000 - marked by a triumphant stroll around the ground wearing a white wedding dress - was so badly treated that he even had to pay to attend matches. He started his performances by accident when he started dancing during a rain break, and never looked back. "Gravy,what you're doing," Viv Richards once told him, "keep on doing it, cause the world is happy when you do it." He continued to attend matches while keeping a lower profile, and speculation continues as to his plans for the World Cup. To many people, such a high-profile Caribbean event would not be complete without him, even though it would mean him performing at the new Viv Richards Stadium.
Martin Williamson

Photos of Gravy

Gravy
Will he, won't he?
Chickie is joined by Gravy and Bobadilla
Labon Kenneth Blackburn Leeweltine Buckonon Benjamin, or Gravy to the cricketing world
Gravy and two of the Digicel girls