Social anthropologist, Professor Alton Barrington "Barry" Chevannes, has died.

Professor Chevannes passed away at the University Hospital of the West Indies Friday afternoon.

It is understood that he was hospitalized in early September with a serious illness.

Professor Chevannes had lectured at the University of the West Indies for many years, and was a leading activist for peace in Jamaica.

He was also chairman of the Violence Prevention Alliance, which launched a safe community campaign in 2006 and a founding member of Fathers Inc, a support group for fathers.

He was also an executive member of the Peace Management Initiative.

Professor Chevannes was also the head of the Institute of Jamaica and was the head of the National Ganja Commission, which was set up to study the viability of decriminalising marijuana.