The City of Hamilton is hoping to build stronger ties with the town of Black River in Jamaica by becoming its twin city.Representatives of the two communities are set to sign a friendship agreement at City Hall next week.“The Jamaican mayor, along with several others, will come to Bermuda to meet with government officials, community associations, entertainers, and sportsmen as a part of the City’s vibrant city initiative,” a City spokeswoman said.“Current discussions have been had about the possibility of Bermuda’s under-19 cricket team participating in their upcoming international cricket tournament in Black River, Jamaica, as well as local Bermudian entertainers performing live at one of Jamaica’s largest end of the year concerts.”Black River, the capital of St Elizabeth Parish, sits on the southwest side of the Caribbean nation, at the mouth of the Black River. It has a population of around 4,200.The town used to be a bustling seaport, but has now become a hub of environmental tourism and a gateway to the Treasure Beach resort area.The City of Hamilton spokeswoman noted Black River was the home of James (Dick) Richards, who became an enormously successful businessman in Bermuda after emigrating here in 1902.A Boer War veteran, Mr Richards arrived here with a contingent of the British West India Regiment known as The Bully Roosters. Over the years he became a successful innkeeper and one of the Island’s most significant black landowners.He was also a philanthropist who provided scholarships for Central School students to attend the Berkeley Institute.