Jamaica Gets Its Own Currency

A dollar ain't worth much these days? Try a Jamaican Buck, a Jamaica, Queens Buck.

Jamaican Bucks is Counter Culture Cash, the invention of artists Anna Stein and Athena Robles, and maybe the most fun and provoking part of this year's Jamaica Flux public art event.

How Do You Get Your Hands on a Jamaican Buck?

The artists are paying willing participants five Jamaican Bucks if they pose for a portrait at public photo booth at the 165th Street Mall.

What Can You Do With a Jamaica, Queens, Buck?

The custom currency can then be redeemed at:

• G & L Cajun Grill at Food Market - 90-40 160th St, Jamaica, NY
• Java's Brewin' - 153-01 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, NY
• Gallega Deli - 162-02 #4 Jamaica Ave (enter on Union Hall St), Jamaica, NY
• Nubian Heritage - 155-03 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, NY
• World Wide 99¢ Plus - 155-01 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, NY

Sorry, you're not about to get rich off Jamaican Bucks. They're not usable anywhere else. But the idea of a local currency, one that keeps money in the are, well, that's a fine work of public art.