A deputy Editor-in-Chief at the Daily Observer has been awarded with the International Extra Mile Award for his "tireless dedication" to the prevention of crime, drugs and violence in the world.

Ebrima Manneh, widely known by his sobriquet Ebrima Jaw Manneh, was honoured with this award at the 19th National Youth Crime Prevention Conference and International Forum, at the Hilton Hotel in Florida , United States of America .

Deputy Edtor-in-Chief Manneh was among several other personalities from different parts of the world who received this year's awards.

With programs across the United States and around the world, Youth Crime Watch demonstrates that young people can make the difference in keeping their schools and communities safe from crime, drugs, and violence.

Mr Manneh also had the opportunity to address the international forum on crime prevention and its sweeping effects. He also used the platform to elaborate on the 2007 programme of activities of Youth Crime Watch of The Gambia, which was greeted with a rousing applause.

In a compelling statement, Mr Manneh called on the international community to invest more in crime prevention, adding that this is most cost effective way to achieving lasting peace in society.

He expressed the need for a paradigm shift of policy and strategy from effective crime prevention to a proactive response, which according to him, will save governments and relevant authorities from spending more in curbing crime and violence in society.

According to him, this model of crime prevention is proven to be more effective and it incurs fewer burdens on an overstretched resources of governments and other stakeholders.


At the conference, Youth Crime Watch of America welcomes its new chief executive officer, Christopher DiCarlo, who replaced Terry Modglin, after 10 years of distinguished service to the organisation.

Mr DiCarlo has held senior management positions in both the private and nonprofit sectors. As a Vice President at Sanwa Bank, DiCarlo oversaw a US$2 billion loan portfolio consisting primarily of Fortune 500 clients.

His nonprofit experience includes lead roles in operations, resource development and executive management. A graduate of the United Way of America management training program, he has served at four local United Ways , including most recently as a president and CEO in South Carolina .

He has significant international experience, including extended stays in Europe , Asia and South America . Chris holds a Bachelors Degree in History from Dartmouth College and has MBA and MPP degrees from the University of Chicago .

Participants of our 19th National Youth Crime Prevention Conference and International Forum had the opportunity to extend a warm welcome to DiCarlo at the event.

The organization also has a new board, chaired by Dr Ellen G. Cohn. Dr Cohn has been a member of the Youth Crime Watch of America Board since 2000. She received her PhD in criminology from the University of Cambridge in 1991 and is an associate professor of criminal justice at Florida International University .